Kilmer Middle School Academic Level IV Center Program Introduction - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Kilmer Middle School Academic Level IV Center Program

Introduction

• Assistant Principals: Debra David and Chris Musgnug
• English: Marnie Hennessy
• Math: Eunice Park
• Social Studies: Steve Thomas
• Science: Marileigh Blake
• Technology Education: Kent Schweitzer

Advanced Academic Programs

3

English

Marnie Hennessy

Similarities and Differences in AA English vs. Honors?

• The curriculum is similar
• AA students absorb information at an

accelerated rate

• AA students enjoy more in depth

discussions that focus on analysis

• They get less of the “what” and more of the

“why”

Students Reflecting on the Differences Between AA and Honors

“Topics are slightly different, but you learn the same material, just more in depth.” “Topics are the same, but you face a different set of challenges learning it.” “AA is a little more advanced, and the discussions are better because everyone in there wants to learn.”

AA Writing Extension

• AA students are strongly

encouraged to seek publication for their writing Students experience what it is like to write for an authentic audience

Project-Based Learning

• Students are expected to participate in at

least one project-based learning experience

• These assignments are intended to enrich

instruction with real-world understandings and an authentic audience.

ENGLISH CLASS IS AWESOME!

US History

Steve Thomas

So how will AA be different?

• Higher level reading/text
• Stringent Test and Quiz standards
• In Depth Analysis of American

History

• Advanced Level Projects and Problem

Solving

So how will AA be different?

• In depth class discussion and written

analysis of important historical events that support ascending levels of intellectual demand

• Extension activities and assignments

allowing for independent and higher level learning/understanding

• Opportunities for students to grapple

with complex and ambiguous issues and problems

What will students learn in AA History?

Great Depression Unit

• Great Recession of 2006-2009
• Stock Market Crash and Investing

Early Immigration to US late 1800s early 1900s

• Current Immigration/US Border issues

Example: DACA and Wall along border Cold War Era

• Russia/Putin Invades Crimea
• Iran and N. Korea (Sanctions and Nukes)

History Student Work

Yellow Journalism Current Events

Science

• Ms. Blake

–Higher Level Discourse and Scientific Writing

• hypotheses
• summarizing
• justification
• conclusions

–Project and Problem Based Learning

• student centered projects with

teacher guidance

How is AA different?

–Higher level texts

• scientific journals and articles

–Lab work

• supplementary labs
• more opportunity for independent

investigation –Introduction of higher level concepts

• touching on topics that are above 7th grade

standards

• going into more depth on 7th grade standards

How is AA different?

MATHEMATICS

• Mrs. Park

Math - Where have you been? Accelerated Math Where are you going?

7th grade Mathematics Courses

• Algebra 1 Honors

– High school credit course – Fast paced instruction – New concept daily – Assessments weekly or biweekly – Extensions each unit – Data has shown Algebra grade predicts future success in later math courses

• Math 7 Honors (Math 8 SOL)

– Fast paced instruction – New concept almost daily – Extensions each unit – Prepares students for Algebra 1 honors – Assumes student is proficient at Math 7 concepts

Tech Explorations

• Mr. Schweitzer

Thank you for attending!