2021-2022 MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM - Montgomery County Public Schools

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CONTINUE READING
2021–2022
    Montgomery County Public Schools

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

    GUIDE
Board of Education

                           Ms. Brenda Wolff
                           President

                           Ms. Karla Silvestre
                           Vice President

                           Dr. Judith R. Docca

                           Mrs. Shebra L. Evans
VISION
                           Ms. Lynne Harris
We inspire learning by
providing the greatest     Mrs. Patricia B. O’Neill
public education to each
and every student.         Mrs. Rebecca K. Smondrowski

                           Mr. Nicholas W. Asante
MISSION                    Student Member
Every student will have
the academic, creative     Montgomery County
problem solving, and       Public Schools (MCPS)
social emotional skills    Administration
to be successful in        Jack R. Smith, Ph.D.
college and career.        Superintendent of Schools

                           Monifa B. McKnight, Ed.D.
CORE PURPOSE               Deputy Superintendent
Prepare all students to
thrive in their future.    Karen Stratman
                           Chief of Staff

CORE VALUES                Derek G. Turner
                           Chief of Engagement, Innovation, and Operations
Learning
Relationships              Janet S. Wilson, Ph.D.
Respect                    Chief of Teaching, Learning, and Schools
Excellence
Equity

                           850 Hungerford Drive
                           Rockville, Maryland 20850
                           www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

                                                                       OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

                                                 January 2021

Dear Middle School Students:

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is committed to ensuring that every student graduates
from high school prepared for college and career success. Our middle schools offer a diverse range of
engaging courses and programs that will prepare you for the challenges of the 21st century, college,
and the workplace. The 2021–2022 Guide to the Middle School Program presents an overview of courses
that are designed to help you make the most of your academic experience. Please review this guide and
consider it a useful tool as you, your parents/guardians, and your school counselor work together to
plan a learning experience that will challenge and engage you. For additional information about the
middle school curriculum, please visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/middleschool/.

Please remember that each middle school provides information about specific course options available
at that school. The information presented on individual school websites provides an overview of each
school, including detailed program descriptions of magnet and signature programs, and career-themed
course pathways offered in MCPS.

In addition, we ask that you reference your Naviance Student High School Graduation, College and
Career Planner as you are selecting your classes. The planner allows you to identify courses to take in
high school that will satisfy graduation requirements and ensure that you are college and career ready.
Moreover, the planner and your student portfolio provide an opportunity for you to explore career
interests and educational and professional options. If you have any questions about the High School
Graduation, College and Career Planner, please contact your school counselor.

Preparing you to become a productive citizen in a global society is a responsibility we take seriously. We
are proud that MCPS employs outstanding, highly skilled, and dedicated teachers, administrators, school
counselors, and support professionals to help you enhance your academic skills and prepare you to enter
high school and then the college or career of your choice.

I encourage you to enroll in challenging courses in pursuit of your personal goals and extend my best
wishes for your success as you prepare for the exciting and rewarding challenges ahead.

                                                 Sincerely,

                                                 Jack R. Smith, Ph.D.
                                                 Superintendent of Schools

                   850 Hungerford Drive   Room 122   Rockville, Maryland 20850 240-740-3020   montgomeryschoolsmd.org

                   850 Hungerford Drive   Room 122   Rockville, Maryland 20850 240-740-3020   montgomeryschoolsmd.org
This booklet provides an overview of the
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
middle school program. It includes a description
of courses students will take in Grades 6, 7, and
8, as well as electives, after-school, and special
programs that may be available to students.
“A high-quality education is the funda­mental
right of every child.”
              —MCPS Board of Education vision
CON T EN TS

Welcome to Middle School .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 1
    Parents/Guardians and Schools Working Together .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                                1
    School Websites .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .            1
    Immunization Requirements .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                      1
    Well-Rounded Curriculum Accountability.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                              2
    Sample Student Planners .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                               2
    Comprehensive School Counseling Program.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                      3
    School Counseling Curriculum .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                         3
    Naviance Student.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .               3
    Attendance.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   3
    Grading and Reporting. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                          3
    Procedures for Grading .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                          3
    Homework .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .    3
    Districtwide Assessments .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                              4
    Reporting Student Progress. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                    4
    School Library Media Program .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                         4
    Student Service Learning (SSL) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                       4
    High School Credit for Middle School Students .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                        5
    Maryland High School Comprehensive Assessment Program.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                                                        5
    English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                          5
    Multidisciplinary Education, Training, and Support.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                             5
    Special Education Instruction. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                    5
    Section 504 Plan.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .            5
    Alternative Programs. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                     6
    International Baccalaureate/Middle Years Programme. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                                       6
    Magnet and Consortia Programs .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                              6
    Accelerated and Enriched Courses. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                6
    Extended Learning Opportunities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                               6
    Extracurricular Activities, Interscholastic Sports, and Academic Eligibility .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                                                                    6
    George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy “Saturday School” .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                                                 7
    Student Well-Being and School Safety .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                      7

Planning for the Future .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 8
    High School Special Programs.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                       8
    Maryland Diploma Requirements. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                8
    College and Career Readiness . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                       8
    Course Credits.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        8
    State Requirements for Students Graduating in 2018 and Later.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                                                       8
    Montgomery County Public Schools Certificate of Merit .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                                                           9
    Maryland Seal of Biliteracy .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                              9

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       i
I N T RODUC T ION
W ELCOM E TO M IDDLE SCHOOL

Middle school education offers a safe and supportive environment that nurtures students as they develop knowledge and
skills for success in high school, college, and the workplace. All students have the opportunity to improve their skills for
analyzing information, posing problems, seeking solutions, persevering, and collaborating, in order to take responsibility for
their own learning and to reach their academic potential. All Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) middle schools
offer rigorous and challenging academic programs, elective courses, special programs, extracurricular activities, and sports to
address the academic, social, and emotional needs and characteristics of early adolescents.
This booklet provides an overview of the MCPS middle school program. It includes courses students will take in Grades 6, 7,
and 8, as well as electives, after-school, and special programs that may be available to students. Not all programs and elective
courses are offered at every school. Check with your child’s school to see what opportunities they offer.
Additional information about courses offered at each grade level and course descriptions can be found at https://www.
montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/index.aspx.

                                                                          • Limiting the amount of time your child spends playing
Parents/Guardians and Schools                                               video games.
Working Together                                                      • Encouraging your child to participate in extracurricular and
We want all of our children to succeed in school and in life.           volunteer activities, as well as volunteering at your child’s
Parents/guardians can support their children’s progress and             school;
success by                                                            • Establishing healthy habits at home;
  • Setting high expectations for your children and helping them      • Encouraging your child to be an active participant rather
    understand that school should be a top priority;                    than a passive recipient of school academic and extra-
  • Encouraging your child to complete challenging work;                curricular activities in and out of the classroom.

  • Staying informed of your child’s academic progress and social   In addition, you and your child should review together the
    and emotional well-being—dedicating a time each day to          MCPS Student Code of Conduct, Student’s Guide to Rights and
    talk with each child;                                           Responsibilities in MCPS, Guidelines for Respecting Religious
                                                                    Diversity and Guidelines for Student Gender Identity found at
  • Providing a quiet place for your child to study and helping     www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights/, as well as your
    with homework;                                                  individual school’s Code of Conduct.
  • Supporting your child’s appropriate use of technology by
      • Monitoring your child’s use of the Internet, social media
        and networking, and cellphone and texting activities;       School Websites
      • Limiting the amount of time your child watches televi-      You will find valuable information about the school system
        sion and discussing the programs with your child;           and middle school in general at www.montgomeryschools.org
                                                                    and www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/middleschool/.
                                                                    To find information about your child’s school, go to www.
                                                                    montgomeryschools.org, and click on Schools.

                                                                    Immunization Requirements
                                                                    Beginning with students who enter Grade 7 in the 2020–
                                                                    2021 school year, or who were new to MCPS and in Grades
                                                                    8–12, must receive one dose of the Tetanus-diptheria-
                                                                    acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination and one dose of the
                                                                    Meningococcal conjugate vaccination (MCV4) before the first
                                                                    day of school. These vaccinations are required by Maryland
                                                                    state for school attendance. Acceptable proofs of vaccinations
                                                                    are a computer-generated vaccination record from the student’s
                                                                    health-care provider or the Maryland Department of Health
                                                                    Immunization Certificate (Form 896), found at https://www.
                                                                    montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/pdf/mdh%20896.pdf,
                                                                    that is completed by the health-care provider.

                                                                                                                                     1
W ELCOM E TO M IDDLE SCHOOL

Well-Rounded Curriculum Accountability                                        have met the well-rounded requirement. These courses
    • The Maryland School Report Card Category for access                     may include full-year, semester, and quarter “rotation”
      to a well-rounded curriculum counts as 10 percent of                    offerings. All high school credit-bearing courses must be
      a school’s overall report card score. This holds schools                offered as a full year.
      and districts accountable for providing well-rounded                  • Fine Arts and computational thinking requirements must
      course offerings and ensuring student enrollment in these               be met through elective course choices. A full listing of
      courses in middle school.                                               courses that meet these requirements in computational
    • By definition, this identifies the percent of students                  thinking and fine arts can be found here: Computational
      enrolled in fine arts, physical education, health, and                  Learning/Fine Arts 2020 ESSA Accountability Approval List.
      computational thinking in the middle school grade band                  Note: Courses meeting the well-rounded requirements
      (Grades 6-8), for a minimum of a marking-period course.                 for computational thinking include courses in computer
      Current interpretation from MSDE is that if a student                   science, technology education, and engineering.
      enrolls in any of the approved courses in these areas                 • The following planner and guidelines for Grades 6, 7, and
      at any point during Grades 6, 7, or 8, the student will                 8 can serve as a resource for scheduling purposes.

          GRADE 6 REQUIRED COURSES                     GRADE 7 REQUIRED COURSES                     GRADE 8 REQUIRED COURSES
 English or ESOL                               English or ESOL                              English or ESOL
 Mathematics                                   Mathematics                                  Mathematics
 Science                                       Science                                      Science
 Social Studies                                Social Studies                               Social Studies
 Physical Education/ Health                    Physical Education/ Health                   Physical Education/ Health
 World Language or Elective                    World Language or Elective                   World Language or Elective
 Other Elective(s) (full-year, semester, or    Other Elective(s) (full year, semester, or   Other Elective(s) (full year, semester, or
   quarter rotation)                             quarter rotation)                            quarter rotation)
                                               WELL-ROUNDED CURRICULUM REQUIREMENT
 (Minimum of 1 marking period course during grades 6, 7, or 8)
 Fine Arts
 Computational Thinking

Sample Student Planners
These planners are provided as examples to support schools with articulation and scheduling practices matched to the individual
interests and needs of students.

                 STUDENT A:                                   STUDENT B:                                   STUDENT C:
        TRADITIONAL ELECTIVES SURVEY                   ENROLLMENT IN YEAR LONG                      ENROLLMENT IN YEAR LONG
                                                      VISUAL OR PERFORMING ARTS                      STEM/COMPUTER SCIENCE
 English or ESOL                               English or ESOL                              English or ESOL
 Mathematics                                   Mathematics                                  Mathematics
 Science                                       Science                                      Science
 Social Studies                                Social Studies                               Social Studies
 Physical Education/Health                     Physical Education/Health + One Quarter      Physical Education/Health + One Quarter
 World Language or Elective/Support            of Computational Thinking                    of Fine Arts
 Fine Arts/Computational Thinking              World Language or Elective/Support           World Language or Elective/Support
   courses by semester or quarter              Full-year Dance, Choral Music, General       Full-year STEM, Computer Science, or
   rotation                                      Music, Instrumental Music, Media             Engineering
                                                 Arts, Theatre, or Visual Art
Note: The student samples provided are meant to ensure a wide range of options and well-rounded curriculum for students. Quarter
      or semester options should not replace existing year-long offerings in any course.

2
W ELCOM E TO M IDDLE SCHOOL

Comprehensive School Counseling Program                             Attendance
The school counseling program is designed to maximize               A commitment to school attendance, on the part of both
the academic success and personal growth of every student           students and parents/guardians, is an essential component
across the five domains of student development (academic,           of a high-quality learning experience. Parents/guardians and
career, personal, interpersonal, and healthy development)           school personnel are expected to do everything possible to
established by national, state, and local guidelines. Through a     ensure each student’s regular attendance. Students should
comprehensive developmental school counseling program, each         attend all scheduled classes and approved educational
counselor works as a team member with school staff, parents/        activities and are responsible for completing all assigned work
guardians, and the community to create a caring, supportive         on time. Students should be enrolled in a full-day program or
climate and atmosphere in which young adolescents can achieve       spend a comparable period of time in an alternative program
academic success. The Middle School Counseling Programs             or activity approved by the student’s parent/guardian and
are designed to help students attain optimal personal growth,       principal. See MCPS Regulation JEA-RA, Student Attendance, at
acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career   www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/jeara.pdf.
goals, and realize full academic potential to become productive,
contributing members of the world community.                        Grading and Reporting
                                                                    The Board of Education is committed to maintaining rigorous
School Counseling Curriculum                                        performance and achievement standards for all students, and
K–12 Counselors Implement the Counseling Program                    to providing a fair process for evaluating and reporting student
by Providing—                                                       progress that is understandable to students and their parents/
  • Academic skills support                                         guardians and relevant for instructional purposes. Board
  • Organizational, study, and test-taking skills                   Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting (www.montgomeryschoolsmd.
  • Education in understanding self and others                      org/departments/policy/pdf/ika.pdf), and accompanying
  • Peer relationships and effective social skills                  MCPS Regulation IKA-RA, Grading and Reporting (www.
  • Communication, problem solving, decision making, and            montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/ikara.pdf), set
    conflict resolution
                                                                    forth expectations and guidance. The Office of Curriculum
  • Career awareness, exploration, and planning
                                                                    and Instructional Programs publishes procedures at www.
  • Multicultural/diversity awareness
                                                                    montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/grading/.
Individual Student Planning
  • Goal setting/decision making                                    Procedures for Grading
  • Academic planning                                               Grading procedures will be applied consistently within and
  • Career planning                                                 among schools. Grading practices must include clear and
  • Education in understanding of self, including strengths,        timely communication, alignment with curriculum, accurate
    weaknesses, and self-management skills                          reflection of student achievement, and fair representation
  • Transition planning                                             of student performance. Grading practices must be fair and
                                                                    manageable and support effective teaching and learning.
Responsive Services
  •   Individual and small-group counseling                         Grades on report cards reflect academic achievement in
  •   Individual/family/school crisis intervention                  relation to course expectations, as outlined in the MCPS
  •   Peer facilitation                                             curriculum. Extra credit may not be used. Course-specific
  •   Consultation/collaboration                                    procedures for grading are defined, used consistently, and
  •   Referrals                                                     explained clearly to students and parents/guardians in writing
                                                                    at the beginning of a semester or school year.
System Support
  • Professional development                                        Homework
  • Consultation, collaboration, and teaming                        Homework is important in a student’s overall program.
  • Program management and operation                                Teachers assign homework that is related to the curriculum.
                                                                    There are two categories of homework:
Naviance Student                                                       1. Homework checked for practice or preparation, which
Naviance Student is a web-based tool that provides self-                   may account for a maximum of 10 percent of the
discovery activities and lessons to help students explore and              marking period grade.
plan their college and career goals, and also allows parents to        2. Homework evaluated for learning counts with other
be involved in that planning.                                              learning and assessment activities toward the remaining
                                                                           portion of the marking-period grade.
Students can discover their individual strengths and talents,
                                                                    Timely and meaningful feedback on both types of homework
explore career and college options, and research the high
                                                                    will be provided and may take various forms. See www.
school courses they need to reach their goals. For more
                                                                    montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/info/grading/SEC_
information, please visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/career-
                                                                    HomeworkProcedures.pdf.
readiness/naviance-family-connection.aspx.

                                                                                                                                  3
W ELCOM E TO M IDDLE SCHOOL

Districtwide Assessments                                              and utilize print and digital resources for lifelong learning in
Required assessments administered districtwide are one                multiple literacies. Instruction and collaboration must continue
component of the body of evidence.                                    in distance learning, hybrid models, or in person.
    • A districtwide assessment is required to be given at            Information-literacy standards are embedded in content areas.
      designated times in identified grade levels and identified      Information-literacy skills are grounded in classroom content
      middle and high school courses.                                 because, when taught in isolation, they do not provide an
    • In middle and high school courses for which there are           authentic learning experience that is relevant to students.
      districtwide assessments, selected assessments may be           School library media specialists can be added as co-teachers
      calculated as 10 percent of the marking period.                 to the virtual classrooms in order to support any content area
                                                                      with information-literacy standards. Digital citizenship is a
Reporting Student Progress                                            component of information literacy and should be taught in
Teachers will provide students and parents/guardians with             the context of a larger lesson that requires practice in safe
information about achievement throughout the marking                  searching, safe sharing of information, etc. for Grades 6–10,
period. This feedback may take several forms, including the           with a minimum of 3.75 hours of instruction for the year.
following:
    •   Report cards                                                  Student Service Learning (SSL)
    •   Interims/progress reports                                     The Student Service Learning (SSL) program in MCPS promotes
    •   Online grade reports                                          a culture of student involvement and student responsibility
    •   Parent/Guardian conferences                                   through civic engagement. Service learning is a graduation
    •   Informal methods of communication                             requirement in Maryland. MCPS students must complete a
    •   Teacher feedback                                              minimum of 75 service-learning hours to graduate. They may
                                                                      begin fulfilling this requirement in the summer after Grade 5 and
School Library Media Program                                          continue to accrue SSL hours through high school. Students who
As a teacher and collaborator, school library media specialists       earn 260 or more SSL hours receive a Certificate of Meritorious
contribute to the development of students who are equipped            Service at the time of graduation. Preparation, action, and
with the knowledge and skills to read, evaluate, and utilize          reflection are the three phases of service learning that distinguish
print and digital resources for curricular and personalized           SSL from traditional volunteering and community-service efforts.
learning needs.                                                       Service learning hours are earned through the following:
The Guiding Principles for an Instructional Approach to a               • School Courses—Successful completion of specific
robust school library media program:                                      courses identified in this course bulletin, where the three
                                                                          phases of SSL achieve curricular objectives.
    • School library media specialists support literacy and             • School Clubs—Fully participating and completing the
      student achievement                                                 three phases of service learning in activities promoted by
    • School library media specialists are teachers and                   school-sponsored clubs and organizations.
      instructional partners                                            • Community Organizations and Opportunities (must
    • School library media programs provide unique virtual                meet MCPS SSL guidelines)—Fully participating in
      learning environments                                               opportunities with community organizations following
    • School library media staff members advocate for equity              the MCPS SSL guidelines listed on the MCPS SSL website,
      and foster connections                                              found at www.mcps-ssl.org. MCPS SSL opportunities are
School library media specialists enrich the learning                      identified on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center
environment by expertly vetting and sharing award-winning                 (MCVC) web page with the MCPS SSL icon found at www.
books and appropriate approved digital tools by providing                 montgomeryserves.org. Students also may seek approval for
                                                                          other types of service learning by submitting MCPS Form
updated collections and embracing the integration of innovative
                                                                          560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request.
technologies. In addition, school library media specialists share
information related to emergent issues in regards to accessibility,   All activities for which SSL hours are desired must occur in a
privacy, digital ethics, and copyright guidance.                      public place, be secular in nature, and be supervised by an adult
                                                                      representative from a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Parents/
A well-rounded school library media program maximizes
                                                                      guardians and relatives may not supervise a student directly. One
student and teacher access to resources, programming, and
                                                                      SSL hour is awarded for every one hour of service outside of
instruction and provides opportunities to immerse all students
                                                                      the instructional day, with a maximum of 8 hours in a 24-hour
in literacy-rich environments. School library media programs
                                                                      period. MCPS Form 560-51, Student Service Learning Activity
support students with the access and use of online resources,
                                                                      Verification, is required to document all activities for which SSL
including eBooks (Sora, Capstone Interactive, Montgomery
                                                                      hours are desired. SSL FAQs and more information is available at
Public Library eBooks, etc.).
                                                                      the MCPS SSL website www.mcps-ssl.org and the MCVC website
Whether independently or in collaboration with other teachers,        www.montgomeryserves.org. For individual SSL questions, please
school library media specialists must continue to ensure that         contact the SSL coordinator in any middle or high school.
students are able to efficiently, effectively, and ethically access

4
W ELCOM E TO M IDDLE SCHOOL

High School Credit for Middle School                                                                                             “MCAP” encompasses state assessments required by MSDE,
                                                                                                                                 including those required for graduation.
Students
Grades and credit earned for high school courses taken in                                                                        Students take these assessments as they complete the
middle school will be included on the high school transcript,                                                                    corresponding courses. Middle school students taking
but the grade points will not be automatically calculated into                                                                   Algebra 1 must take the Algebra 1 assessment. Further
the cumulative GPA unless requested by students and parents/                                                                     information on MCAP assessments is available at www.
guardians.Students and parents/guardians will be notifi ed of                                                                    montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/mcap/.
procedures to opt to include such courses in the cumulative
GPA once they are in high school, no earlier than after the                                                                      English for Speakers of Other Languages
fi rst semester of Grade 9 when a cumulative GPA has been                                                                        (ESOL)
established with multiple courses. This approach will help                                                                       Students who need assistance in learning English receive
students and families see the impact of including such courses                                                                   instruction aligned with the MSDE English language
on the cumulative GPA once a greater sample of courses and                                                                       proficiency (ELP) state curriculum. Students are grouped for
grades has been established. Students and parents/guardians                                                                      instruction based on their language needs.
will also have the opportunity to hold off on making the
request until at least Grade 11, so has to consider the full                                                                     Multidisciplinary Education, Training, and
impact with multiple years of high school courses.
                                                                                                                                 Support
Additional information about secondary grading can be found                                                                      The MCPS Multidisciplinary Education, Training, and Support
here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/grading/report-                                                                   (METS) program is designed to meet the linguistic and academic
cardssecondary.aspx.                                                                                                             needs of English language learners who have had limited or
Middle school students must meet the same requirements as                                                                        no previous schooling or significant schooling gaps, due to
high school students by earning a fi nal grade of A, B, C, or D                                                                  interrupted or disrupted education. Students in the METS
each semester. Additional information is in MCPS Regulation                                                                      program receive instruction in developing English language
IKC-RA, Grade Point Averages (GPA) and Weighted Grade Point                                                                      proficiency and basic literacy and academic skills. Students
Averages (WGPA), found at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/                                                                           also receive instruction and support to facilitate adjustment to
departments/policy/pdf/ikcra.pdf.                                                                                                both the academic and social school environments. The METS
                                                                                                                                 program is offered at selected middle and high schools.
      MARYLAND COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (MCAP) HIGH
             SCHOOL ASSESSMENT (HSA) REQUIREMENTS1,2,3,4                                                                         Special Education Instruction
    These assessment requirements are subject to change by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).                        If a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
                             Course credit earned in Algebra 1 AND                                                               that is still in effect as they transition into middle school, the
    ALGEBRA 1
                             • Pass the Algebra 1 assessment                                                                     student will continue to receive the specialized instruction
    ENGLISH 10
                             Course credit earned in English 10 or equivalent, or English 10 for ELs AND                         required to address their academic needs. Students may receive
                             • Pass the English Language Arts/Literacy assessment                                                instruction in a variety of service-delivery models in the middle
                             Course credit earned in National, State, and Local Government or                                    school setting to acquire skills and knowledge. The array of
    GOVERNMENT               equivalent AND                                                                                      services could include, but is not limited to, consultation with
                             • Pass the Government assessment
                                                                                                                                 special education personnel about instruction, direct service
                             Course credit earned in Biology or equivalent, AND
    SCIENCE
                             • Pass the Science assessment
                                                                                                                                 within the general education classroom, pull-out service in a
                                                                                                                                 resource room, direct service within a self-contained special
1
   Substitute Test: Students earning qualifying scores on substitute tests (AP/IB) will meet the MCAP HSA requirement in that   education classroom, or some combination of the above.
  content area.
2
  T ransfer Credit: Students transferring from outside Maryland public schools may be eligible to meet some MCAP HSA            If you suspect that your child may have an educational
  content-area requirements with transfer credit.
3
    Combined test score options are available for the assessments.                                                               disability and may require an evaluation, please contact the
4
  B ridge Plan: The Bridge Plan is an alternative means of meeting the MCAP HSA graduation requirement. With the Bridge Plan,   school counselor for information.
  students demonstrate content mastery by completing projects when they have difficulty passing the traditional test.

For additional information regarding MCPS graduation requirements, visit www.                                                    Section 504 Plan
montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/graduation-requirements.aspx.                                                                 A student with a disability may be considered for eligibility
                                                                                                                                 and accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Maryland High School Comprehensive                                                                                               Act of 1973, if the student has a physical or mental impairment
                                                                                                                                 that substantially limits one or more major life activities. If
Assessment Program                                                                                                               a student has a Section 504 Plan that is still in effect as they
Maryland High School Comprehensive Program (MCAP) are
                                                                                                                                 transition into middle school, the student will continue to
those tests developed for or adopted by MSDE that are aligned
                                                                                                                                 receive the specialized instruction required to address their
with and measure a student’s skills and knowledge, as set
                                                                                                                                 academic needs. Teachers or parents/guardians who feel
forth in the content standards for specified courses. The term
                                                                                                                                 a student may meet the criteria for Section 504 eligibility
                                                                                                                                 may request an Educational Management Team (EMT)/
                                                                                                                                 Collaborative Problem-solving Team meeting. Each student

                                                                                                                                                                                                 5
W ELCOM E TO M IDDLE SCHOOL

who meets the eligibility guidelines for accommodations             admission processes are available at the website https://www.
under Section 504 will have a Section 504 Plan developed for        montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/middle/.
that student to use in school. Please visit the MCPS website for
more information www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/           Middle School Magnet Consortium
special-education/compliance/section-504.aspx or contact the        The Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) is made
Resolution and Compliance Unit at 240-740-3230.                     up of three schools: Argyle Magnet School for Digital Design
                                                                    and Development, A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for
Alternative Programs                                                Creative and Performing Arts, and Parkland Magnet School
Each middle school has staff to develop and implement a             for Aerospace Technology. Each school offers an innovative
school-based alternative program. This program provides             and challenging academic curriculum for all students, and
supports and direct academic, social emotional, and behavior-       students have the opportunity to take specialty courses that
management services to students as well as supports to staff.       are centered on the magnet instructional focus. The MSMC
With ongoing guidance and monitoring, students in these             schools are based on a whole-school magnet model, which
programs should be able to experience greater success and           engages and challenges all students.
remain in the mainstream of school activities.
                                                                    Grade 5 students living within the boundaries for Argyle,
                                                                    Parkland, and Loiederman must choose to attend one of the
International Baccalaureate/Middle Years                            consortium magnet middle schools. Grade 5 students (and
Programme                                                           Grade 6 students) throughout Montgomery County may
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students           apply through the Choice process to attend one of these
ages 11 to 16. It provides a framework of learning that             three schools. To learn more, visit the website https://www.
encourages students to become creative, critical, and reflective    montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet/.
thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge,
encouraging students to make connections between their              Accelerated and Enriched Courses
studies in traditional subjects and the real world. It fosters      All MCPS middle schools will continue to offer accelerated
the development of skills for communication, intercultural          and enriched courses in mathematics and social studies. These
understanding, and global engagement—essential qualities for        courses are designed for students who demonstrate readiness
young people to become global leaders. Students engage in           for accelerating the pace of instruction while diving deeper
research and the acquisition and application of critical-thinking   into concepts alongside academic peers.
skills through all subject areas, as well as study a second
language. MYP currently is authorized and offered as a whole-
school program at Newport Mill, Silver Spring International,        Extended Learning Opportunities
Julius West, Westland, Francis Scott Key, Montgomery Village,       Middle School Extended-Day and Extended-Year Programs
Neelsville, Silver Creek, Roberto W. Clemente, and Dr. Martin       Middle schools offer extended learning opportunities during
Luther King, Jr. middle schools.                                    the school year. The extended day (after-school) programs
For more information, contact the Department of Secondary           provide additional support designed to meet specific
Curriculum and Districtwide Programs 240-740-4000 or                needs of students. These intervention programs in reading,
visit the website www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/           mathematics, and writing are designed to improve students’
specialprograms/.                                                   skills so they can access the on-grade-level or above-grade-
                                                                    level curriculum successfully.
Magnet and Consortia Programs
Magnet Programs                                                     Extracurricular Activities, Interscholastic
The Humanities Communication Program is offered at                  Sports, and Academic Eligibility
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Eastern middle schools.             All middle schools offer after-school extracurricular activities
This interdisciplinary humanities program emphasizes                and many have the ability to provide activity bus service for
writing, media production, and world studies and focuses            those students who stay after the regular school day. The
on developing students’ ability to use language and media           activities may include clubs and/or interscholastic sports.
effectively to present results of their academic inquiry.           All middle schools offer an interscholastic sports program
The Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Program is                 for students. Each student needs to have documentation of a
offered at Roberto Clemente and Takoma Park middle schools.         current physical exam on file with the school to try out and
This program provides experiences for students to deepen their      participate and must meet MCPS academic eligibility criteria
understanding of mathematics, science, and computer science         to try out for athletic teams. The team sports available in the
concepts in an integrated manner and at an accelerated pace.        fall are boys’ and girls’ softball and coed cross-country; in the
                                                                    winter, boys’ and girls’ basketball; and in the spring, boys’ and
Entrance to these three-year interdisciplinary programs is          girls’ soccer. MCPS middle schools compete against each other
through a central review process. Program information and           during the sports seasons.

6
W ELCOM E TO M IDDLE SCHOOL

Students must maintain a 2.0 marking period average (MPA),        Student Well-Being and School Safety
with not more than one failing grade in the previous marking      All children deserve a safe and nurturing school environment
period, in order to participate in extracurricular activities     that supports their physical, social, and psychological well-
during a marking period. The MPA is not the same as the           being. Such safe and nurturing environments are prerequisites
GPA. See further information in MCPS Regulation IQD-RB,           for promoting all students’ opportunity to learn. MCPS is
Academic Eligibility for Middle School Students Who Participate   committed to ensuring that all students have the necessary
in Extracurricular Activities, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/       skills to do the following:
departments/policy/pdf/iqdrb.pdf.
                                                                    • Become positive members of the school and broader
                                                                      community
George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy                              • Manage their emotions
“Saturday School”                                                   • Build academic and social resilience
Twelve MCPS schools host The George B. Thomas, Sr.                  • Identify and access support for themselves or a friend
Learning Academy programs on Saturday mornings (Saturday            • Peacefully resolve conflict
School), providing enrichment, tutoring, and mentoring for          • Make positive decisions
students in Grades K–12. The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning       Schools have developed and implemented effective prevention
Academy, Inc. was established in 1986 by the Mu Nu Chapter        and early-intervention programs, which are age-appropriate
of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, as an outgrowth of the Saturday      and vary based on a student’s circumstances. Each middle
School Initiative of Blacks United for Excellence in Education.   school has a local discipline policy that aligns with MCPS
Saturday Schools are open to all students, regardless of their    regulations. Schools integrate character education as a
home school. High school sites include Blair, Clarksburg,         component of the instructional program. A security assistant
Einstein, Gaithersburg, Magruder, Northwest, Paint Branch,        is assigned to each middle school. Parents/Guardians are
Rockville, Springbrook, Watkins Mill, and Wheaton. There          encouraged to report concerns about their child’s safety
is also a location at Strathmore ES. For more information         to the school administration immediately. Additional
about Saturday School tutoring and the George B. Thomas,          resources and information about student well-being and
Sr. Learning Academy, contact your local school or visit          school safety can be found at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/gbtla/ or www.            departments/studentservices/wellbeing/index-new.aspx and www.
saturdayschool.org                                                montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/coa.pdf. Also,
                                                                  parents/guardians can call the CyberSafety hotline at 301-279-
                                                                  3669 to report concerns.

                                                                                                                               7
PL A NNI NG FOR T HE F U T U R E

                                                               or mathematics by the end of Grade 11 will be required to
High School Special Programs                                   enroll in a transition course or other instructional opportunity
MCPS high schools offer a variety of instructional             during Grade 12, in preparation for reassessment. After
models to meet the needs of students. As a middle              completing the transition course or instructional opportunity,
                                                               students must be reassessed by the end of Grade 12. School
school student, it is important to become aware of             counselors and staff will work closely with students to
special program options that may be available to you           determine the best assessment to take in Grade 11, as well as
in high school so that you can make the best choices           transition course options and reassessment during Grade 12, if
                                                               necessary. More information about college and career readiness
based on your academic talents, interests, needs, and          is available on the website www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/
career goals. Early investigation of these programs is         CCRCCA/.
important to ensure that, while in middle school, you
are selecting courses that meet academic eligibility           Course Credits
                                                               Students shall be enrolled in MCPS and have earned a
requirements. For information about high school                minimum of 22 credits that include the following (unless a
special programs, including International Baccalaureate        preapproved MCPS alternative is satisfied):
(IB) programs, career readiness programs of study, or              M C P S G R A D UAT I O N R E Q U I R E M E N T S
special internships, go to www.montgomeryschoolsmd.            ENGLISH                   4 credits

org/curriculum/specialprograms/. A selection of Advanced                                 1 credit designated (FA). Courses in art, dance, drama/theater, and
                                                               FINE ARTS                 music that satisfy the FA requirement are designated in the course
Placement (AP) courses is offered at every high school.                                  bulletin.

                                                               HEALTH EDUCATION          0.5 credit
Students whose home schools are part of the Northeast
                                                                                         4 credits, including 1 with instruction in algebra aligned with
Consortium (Blake, Paint Branch, Springbrook) or the                                     the Maryland High School Assessment for algebra or one or more
                                                                                         credits in subsequent mathematics courses for which Algebra I is a
Downcounty Consortium (Blair, Einstein, Kennedy,                                         prerequisite, and 1 with instruction in geometry aligned with the
Northwood, Wheaton) will participate in the school             MATHEMATICS               content standards for geometry.
                                                                                         NEW STATE REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2018
choice process. For more information about this                                          AND LATER: Students graduating in 2018 and later must be enrolled
                                                                                         in a math course in each year of high school. This may result in students
process, please contact the Division of Consortia Choice                                 earning more than 4 credits in math for graduation.
and Application Program Services at 240-740-2540               PHYSICAL                  1 credit
                                                               EDUCATION
or visit the website www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/                                        3 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) credits, including 1 life
departments/schoolchoice.                                      SCIENCE                   science credit (BC) and 1 physical science credit (PC). Courses satisfying
                                                                                         this requirement are designated in the course bulletin.
                                                                                         3 credits, 1 U.S. History credit; 1 World History credit; and 1 National,
Maryland Diploma Requirements                                  SOCIAL STUDIES
                                                                                         State, and 1 Local Government credit required.
The state of Maryland authorizes one diploma for all high      TECHNOLOGY                1 credit designated TE. Courses satisfying this requirement are
school graduates, based on successful fulfillment of four      EDUCATION (TE)            designated in the course bulletin.
categories of requirements: enrollment, course credit,                                                OPTION 1                               OPTION 2
                                                               ELECTIVES:
Student Service Learning (SSL), and assessments developed      The additional credits    2 credits in a world language,         Complete a state-approved
                                                               required for graduation   which may include American             program of study (POS) AND
or adopted by the Maryland State Department of Education       may be fulfilled by 1     Sign Language AND 2.5 credits          a minimum of 0.5 credit
(MSDE), collectively referred to as the Maryland High School   of the following three    in elective courses                    in elective courses or more
                                                               options                                                          depending on POS
Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). All course
requirements are summarized in the table to the right.                                   75 service-learning hours
                                                               STUDENT SERVICE           The SSL requirement is prorated for students enrolling in MCPS for the
                                                               LEARNING (SSL)
                                                                                         first time after Grade 6.
College and Career Readiness                                       Up-to-date graduation requirements by class may be found at
In 2013, the Maryland General Assembly passed the College        www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/graduation-requirements.aspx.
and Career Readiness and College Completion Act (CCRCCA),
aimed at ensuring that all students are prepared for credit-
bearing coursework in college and for living-wage careers.
                                                               State Requirements for Students Graduating
The CCRCCA includes the requirement that all students          in 2018 and Later
be assessed for college and career readiness in English and    Students graduating in 2018 and later must enroll in a math
mathematics by the end of Grade 11, using one of several       course in each year of high school. This may result in students
college and career readiness assessments. Students who do      earning more than 4 credits in math for graduation.
not meet the college and career ready standard in English      This requirement is not waived for students enrolled in high
                                                               school mathematics courses in middle school.

8
PL A NNI NG FOR T HE F U T U R E

Montgomery County Public Schools                                Maryland Seal of Biliteracy
Certificate of Merit                                            High school graduates who can function in two or more
In addition to the Maryland high school diploma, students       languages are equipped with the knowledge and skills to
who meet the following requirements may be awarded the          participate successfully in college, careers, and a diverse 21st
MCPS Certificate of Merit, a diploma endorsement:               century society. The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy is a diploma
                                                                endorsement, authorized by Maryland law, that recognizes
  • Advanced Courses—Students must earn at least 12
    credits in advanced courses designated by MCPS as           a student’s high level of proficiency in listening, speaking,
    applicable to the Certificate of Merit (CM). CM courses     reading, and writing in one or more languages other than
    contribute to a weighted GPA only when the course is        English. To receive a Maryland Seal of Biliteracy, a student
    also identified as Advanced Level (AL). All courses to be   must do the following:
    counted toward the Certificate of Merit must be taken for     • Pass the Maryland High School Assessment in English 10;
    a letter grade.                                                  AND
  • Mathematics Requirement­—Students must successfully           • Demonstrate Intermediate high proficiency in listening,
    complete and/or receive credit for an MCPS Algebra 2             speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than
    course.                                                          English, as measured by assessments that are aligned
  • Cumulative Grade Point Average­—Students must                    to ACTFL (The American Council on the Teaching of
    obtain at least a 3.0 unweighted cumulative grade point          Foreign Languages) proficiency guidelines.
    average.                                                    For more information about the approved assessments,
                                                                please visit the website https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/
                                                                curriculum/office/seal-of-biliteracy.aspx.

                                                                                                                                   9
M IDDL E SCHOOL COU R SES

ENGLISH                                                                READING
The goal of the Secondary English Language Arts program                Reading Support
is to create literate, thoughtful communicators, capable               It is our goal to have all MCPS students reading at or above
of controlling language effectively as they negotiate an               grade level. During the school year, all middle schools
increasingly complex and information-rich world. As students           administer reading assessments such as Measures of Academic
leave elementary school, they encounter new academic                   Progress in Reading (MAP-R) to provide teachers and parents/
expectations such as analyzing varied and complex texts,               guardians with information about each student’s progress in
developing arguments, synthesizing information from multiple           reading. MAP-R is typically administered in Grades 6, 7, and
sources, examining different perspectives, and engaging in             9. The assessment provides common data points to use as
self-reflection. Students work to acquire specific skills and          students articulate from one grade level to another, and assists
strategies in reading literature, reading informational text,          in supporting instructional and program decisions for students.
writing, speaking and listening, and language.
                                                                       Students who have been identified as needing additional
     GRADE                          COURSE               COURSE        support have several options in reading. Special reading
     LEVEL                                               CODE #
                                                                       programs are provided during a period of reading support.
                  Grade 6                               ENG 1009       Students may also have the opportunity to enroll in an
 Grade 6
                  Grade 6 Adv English                   ENG 1010       extended-day or Saturday program.
                  Grade 7 English                       ENG 1011
 Grade 7                                                               Read 180 (ENG 1017)
                  Grade 7 Advanced English              ENG 1012
                                                                       READ 180 is an intensive reading-intervention program
                  Grade 8 English                       ENG 1013       designed to meet the needs of students whose reading
 Grade 8
                  Grade 8 Advanced English              ENG 1014       achievement is below the proficient level. The program
                                                                       directly addresses individual needs through adaptive and
For course descriptions visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.
                                                                       instructional software, high-interest reading materials, and
org/curriculum/middleschool/index.aspx.
                                                                       direct instruction in reading and writing skills. Students rotate
                                                                       among a small group, teacher-directed lessons, a computer
LITERACY                                                               station for reinforcement and practice, and an independent
                                                                       reading center where students read books at their reading
                                                                       level. The program is designed to rapidly accelerate student
Literacy and Reading Support                                           achievement with the goal of bringing students to grade level.
Literacy
Literacy is the ability to think critically and creatively through
reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing in all              ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER
content areas. In order for all MCPS students to be ready for
the current demands, both in academics and in their future
                                                                       LANGUAGES (ESOL)
careers, it is essential that they collaborate in authentic literacy
                                                                       The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
experiences throughout their day. Students may experience
                                                                       program provides high-quality English language development
this in a variety of ways such as reading and discussing a wide
                                                                       instruction aligned to grade-level content standards in
variety of complex text, asking relevant questions to clarify
                                                                       English Language Arts. These courses focus on helping
their thinking, and constructing arguments and explanations
                                                                       students develop the academic language proficiency needed
using clear evidence and reasoning. Though skills such as
                                                                       to be able to learn content knowledge, skills, and processes
these will be different depending on the content of the class,
                                                                       and effectively use language to communicate proficiently in
students will have consistent opportunities to develop them in
                                                                       mainstream courses.
authentic and content-specific ways.
                                                                       These courses are designed for the rapid mastery of the English
                      COURSE                 COURSE CODE #             language, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening
 Digital Literacy 1                          ENG 1030                  skills. ESOL courses usually begin with extensive listening
 Digital Literacy 2                          ENG 1031                  and speaking practice, building on auditory and oral skills,
                                                                       and support the development of reading and writing. These
 Digital Literacy 3                          ENG 1032
                                                                       courses provide an explanation of grammatical structures of the
 MS Academic Literacy                        ENG 1029                  English language, enabling students to progress from a basic
For course descriptions visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.         understanding of English words and verb tenses to a more
org/curriculum/middleschool/index.aspx.                                comprehensive grasp of various formal and informal styles
                                                                       to prepare them for grade-level mainstream English courses.

10
M IDDL E SCHOOL COU R SES

ESOL classes may also include an orientation to the customs
and culture of the diverse population in the United States.
                                                                   MATHEMATICS
All ESOL courses are aligned to the grade-level standards and
curriculum in Grades 6–8.                                          The goal of the Montgomery County Public Schools pre-
                                                                   K–12 mathematics program is for all students to achieve
ESOL students will be scheduled into English classes designed to   mathematical proficiency through mastery of mathematical
meet their level of academic language proficiency in appropriate   skills, concepts, and processes. The end result is the ability to
ways including sheltered, co-taugh single and double periods.      think and reason mathematically and use mathematics to solve
ESOL levels will be aligned to the English Language Proficiency    problems in authentic contexts.
(ELP) levels 1.0-4.4 on the WIDA ACCESS test.
                                                                     GRADE                                    COURSE
                                                                                      COURSE                                     NOTES
   GRADE                                 COURSE                      LEVEL                                    CODE #
                         COURSE                        NOTES
   LEVEL                                 CODE #
                                                                              Grade 6 Mathematics          MAT1005
              English 6 for English                 Double
                                       ESL1014                                Applied Investigations
              Learners (ELs) I                      Period                                                 MAT1003
                                                                    Grade 6   into Mathematics 6
                                                    Double
 Grade 6      English 6 for ELs II     ESL 1017                               Accelerated Mathematics
                                                    Period                                                 MAT1015
                                                                              6+
                                                    Single
              English 6 for ELs III    ESL 1020                               Grade 7 Mathematics          MAT1006
                                                    Period
                                                    Double                    Investigations into
              English 7 for ELs I      ESL1015                      Grade 7                                MAT1013
                                                    Period                    Mathematics

                                                    Double                    Algebra 1                    MAT2000 A/B     HS Credit
 Grade 7      English 7 for ELs II     ESL 1018
                                                    Period                    Grade 8 Mathematics          MAT1007
                                                    Single                    Algebra 1                    MAT2000 A/B     HS Credit
              English 7 for ELs III    ESL 1021                     Grade 8
                                                    Period
                                                                    Options
                                                                                                                           Prerequisite:
                                                    Double                    Honors Geometry              MAT2004 A/B
              English 8 forELs I       ESL 1016                                                                            Algebra 1 A/B
                                                    Period

 Grade 8      English 8 for ELs II     ESL 1019
                                                    Double         Other options include:
                                                    Period
                                                                    GRADE                                COURSE
                                                                                   COURSE                                    NOTES
                                                    Single          LEVEL                                CODE #
              English 8 for ELs III    ESL 1022
                                                    Period
                                                                              Algebra 1                MAT2000 A/B   HS Credit
                                                                    Grade 6
Other options include:                                                        Math 180 Course 1        MAT1010       Elective Credit

  COUR SES AVAIL ABLE FOR S CHO OL S S CHEDULING TRIMESTER                                                           HS Credit
                                                                              Honors Geometry          MAT2004 A/B   Prerequisite: Algebra
   GRADE                 COURSE          COURSE        NOTES        Grade 7                                          1 A/B
   LEVEL                                 CODE #
                                                                              Math 180 Course 1        MAT1010       Elective Credit
              English 6 for English                 Double
                                       ESL1014T                                                                      HS Credit
              Learners (ELs) I                      Period
                                                                                                                     Prerequisites: Algebra
                                                    Double          Grade 8   Honors Algebra 2         MAT2012 A/B
 Grade 6      English 6 for ELs II     ESL 1017T                                                                     1 A/B and Geometry
                                                    Period          Options                                          A/B
                                                    Single                    Math 180 Course 1        MAT1010
              English 6 for ELs III    ESL 1020T
                                                    Period
                                                    Double
                                                                   For course descriptions visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.
              English 7 forELs I       ESL1015T                    org/curriculum/middleschool/index.aspx.
                                                    Period
                                                    Double
 Grade 7      English 7 for ELs II     ESL 1018T
                                                    Period
                                                    Single
              English 7 for ELs III    ESL 1021
                                                    Period
                                                    Double
              English 8 forELs I       ESL 1016
                                                    Period
                                                    Double
 Grade 8      English 8 for ELs II     ESL 1019
                                                    Period
                                                    Single
              English 8 for ELs III    ESL 1022
                                                    Period

For course descriptions visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.
org/curriculum/middleschool/index.aspx.

                                                                                                                                           11
M IDDL E SCHOOL COU R SES

SCIENCE                                                              Parkland Magnet Courses
                                                                                                                   COURSE
                                                                                         COURSE                                  HS CREDIT
                                                                                                                   CODE #
The middle school science program engages students in the
exploration of both the concepts and practices of science and         Mission Earth                               SCI 1012
engineering. At each grade level, topics in Life Science, Earth       Principles of Flight                        SCI 1013
Science, Physical Science, and Engineering are interconnected         Research in Astronomy                       SCI 1014
to show students the relationships that exist between the
                                                                      Unmanned Space Exploration                  SCI 1015
sciences and the natural world. Phenomenon-based learning
through inquiry and laboratory investigations are an integral         Adv Human Space Exploration                 SCI 1016
part of the program. Problem solving and online investigations        Adv Mission Earth                           SCI 1017
are used continually to allow students to investigate authentic       Adv Comparative Planetology Orbital
                                                                                                                  SCI 1018
problems and reinforce science concepts. The middle school            Mechanics
science program is aligned with the Next Generation Science           Astronomy Space Exploration                 SCI 1019
Standards (NGSS) and the Science and Engineering Practices
                                                                      Comp Planet Orb                             SCI 1020
that were adopted by the state of Maryland. High expectations
and differentiated instruction allow all students a challenging       Human Space Exploration                     SCI 1021
and engaging access to science.                                       Geoscience Explorations Resources and
                                                                                                                  SCI 2031A
                                                                      Paleontology
  Dissection is one of the many instructional methods that            Geoscience Explorations Earth Systems and
  may be used in middle school science. Students/parents/                                                         SCI 2031B
                                                                      Hazards
  guardians may request one of the county’s alternatives to
                                                                                                                                 HS Science
  dissection in these classes. Alternatives may include such          Honors Physics A/B                          SCI 2006 A/B
                                                                                                                                 Credit
  materials as video, charts, diagrams, textbook overlays, and
  computer programs.                                                                                                             HS Elective
                                                                      Astronomy A/B                               SCI 2068 A/B
                                                                                                                                 Credit
Additional information regarding the MCPS Secondary                   Astronomy with Physics A/B                  SCI 5085 A/B   HS Credit
Science program can be found at www.montgomeryschools.org/
curriculum/science                                                   For course descriptions visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.
                                                                     org/curriculum/middleschool/index.aspx.
     GRADE                                                 COURSE
                                   COURSE
     LEVEL                                                 CODE #
 Grade 6         Investigations in Science 6              SCI 1002

 Grade 7         Investigations in Science 7              SCI 1003

 Grade 8         Investigations in Science 8              SCI 1004

Other options include:

Takoma Park & Roberto Clemente Middle
School Magnet Courses
                  COURSE                       COURSE CODE #
 Magnet Investigations in Science 6            SCI 1008
 Magnet Investigations in Science 7            SCI 1009
 Magnet Investigations in Science 8            SCI 1010

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