Language Arts - English (7th Grade)

All English classes include the study of a variety of texts: novels, poetry, short stories, drama, and nonfiction, which includes speeches, biographies, autobiographies and editorials. Integrating reading, speaking, listening, writing, and viewing skills encourages critical thinking and effective communication. Students also study grammar, spelling and vocabulary according to a grade level scope and sequence.
The specific data points that middle school principals will consider for placement into seventh grade reading and English courses are as follows: teacher recommendation, historical and current PSSA performance in reading and writing, and sixth grade reading and English report cards. Principals may also consider additional data points that maybe available for individual students.

English 7 Accelerated Honors  

Students learn to analyze, explain, and evaluate elements of literature and write at an accelerated pace and is recommended for avid readers, advanced writers, critical thinkers and those who have a passion for Language Arts.  

English 7 Honors  

Teaches students to analyze, explain, and evaluate elements of literature and writing at a challenging pace.

English 7 Grade Level  

Teaches students to explain, evaluate and analyze elements of literature and writing at a continuous pace.

Language Arts - Reading (7th Grade)

If a student chooses to take a world language, that student will not take reading in 7th grade. 

Reading Through Time 7 Honors

This course is for self-directed students who apply advanced reading strategies independently across all content areas. 

Reading Through Time 7 Grade Level

Provides additional instruction and practice in developing reading skills and strategies in all content areas. 

Reading Plus 7 - Intervention: Phonics

This course takes the place of another content area course.
Based on multiple data points, students will be enrolled in this class as an intervention to support the decoding and reading of words using the Just Words program and focusing on phonetical skills. 

Reading Plus 7 - Intervention: Comprehension

This course takes the place of another content area course.
Based on multiple data points, students will be enrolled in this class as an intervention to support comprehension of text. Students will immerse into research based strategies to support student understanding of the elements of texts from a multitude of genres. 

All Math classes include the following content as outlined by state standards:  rational numbers, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, ratios and proportions, angle properties, geometric construction, volume & surface area, and statistics & probability.  

The specific data points that middle school principals will consider for placement into seventh grade mathematics courses are as follows: teacher recommendation, historical and current PSSA performance in math,  and sixth grade math grades. Furthermore, principals may consider additional data points that may be available for individual students.

Mathematics 7 Accelerated Honors 

Algebra 1 requires abstract thinking and higher-order problem solving. The content includes algebraic properties, linear equations and functions, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents, exponential functions, quadratic equations and functions, polynomials and factoring, rational equations and functions, radicals and data and probability. Students enrolled in Algebra 1 will take the Keystone exam at the end of their course.  A score of proficient or higher on the Algebra Keystone Exam is a high school graduation requirement. 

Mathematics 7 Honors 

Mathematics 7 Honors requires a focus on abstract thinking with an exposure to higher-order problems. The course provides students with a foundation of skills and abstract reasoning and incorporates a challenging pace and level of rigor in preparation for taking Algebra 1 the following year.

Mathematics 7 Grade Level 

Abstract thinking is embedded throughout the Mathematics 7 Grade Level course to support the concrete representation of numbers.  In this course, students continue the progression to understanding the abstract elements of math while reinforcing numeracy skills.  

Math Plus 7 Intervention

This course replaces a 2 day Unified Arts class
Math Plus is designed to provide intense, formal math intervention. Students who are recommended to participate will be selected based on need as determined by multiple data. Math Plus is in addition to a student’s core math class.

The seventh grade science curriculum emphasizes and assesses the core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts of the Pennsylvania STEELS standards. Using a phenomenon-based approach to learning, students explore the principles of chemistry, physics, and physical science while also investigating some earth & space science, life science, and environmental science concepts and skills. Primary core ideas include forces, motion, energy, chemical interactions, and wave properties. The course includes multidimensional laboratory activities, design thinking, and literacy strategies. Students have a variety of opportunities to explore ideas, develop scientific skills, and make connections to other disciplines and fields of study. Through their course experiences, students actively pose questions and make observations, develop explanations and understanding of scientific concepts and processes, and further prepare for future learning opportunities.

American History to 1787

Seventh grade American History studies the peopling of the Americas through the Articles of Confederation. Students will study the geography, economics, history and governmental structures that existed in American society during this time period. 

Unified Arts courses allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of areas, such as Computer Science, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Technology Education.  Students will have two periods of unified arts each day, rotating through the variety of courses offered.  

All WCASD Middle Schools operate on a 6 day cycle, with students rotating throughout a variety of robust learning experiences.  Below, you will see how the unified arts pair with each other to offer our students a robust and exciting exploration of the unified arts.  

Full Year Courses:

The following classes meet for 2 days out of the 6 day cycle for the entire year. 

• Health
• Music - Students have the option of selecting Band, Chorus, Orchestra or Classroom Music.
• Physical Education

Quarter Courses:

The following classess will meet for a quarter, which is one marking period.  Each of these courses will meet for 2 days out of the 6 day cycle. 

• Art
• Computer Science
• Family & Consumer Studies
• Technology & Engineering

The various styles and time periods or “isms” of art are the focus of the art program. Students use a variety of media to produce creative and personal projects that demonstrate understanding of stylistic differences in art. Elements and principles of design are incorporated into aesthetic and critical analysis of art. 

The Computer Science curriculum consists of an exploration of digital products using a variety of software tools to address topics such as hardware, binary numbers, emerging technologies and technology careers.  Digital citizenship topics include Internet safety as well as legal and ethical issues such as copyright and fair use.  Students will explore computer programming using a variety of software applications and enhance their skills in digital literacy, information communication technology, and web design principles..

The seventh grade Family and Consumer Science program includes two courses listed below taken back-to-back during one marking period. Each course meets every day for half a marking period.

Food Science

Students explore food safety and prevention of food borne illness, accuracy in measurement, leavening agents and chemical changes in food preparation, nutritional analysis and food labeling, and lab experiments using vegetables and other healthy food choices. Students apply knowledge learned as they complete lab experiences and critique their performance as members of a team.

Child Care and Personal Finance

Students explore child growth and development and examine decision-making and problem-solving skills related to the care of children.  Students design activities for children that focus on toy safety and children’s literature.  Students create a business plan using information related to credit, income, expenses, savings, and decision making.  Consumer rights and responsibilities as well as the effects of advertising are also explored.  

The middle school Health Education Program is designed to motivate and encourage active student  participation in developing life skills for optimal emotional, mental, physical, and social health. The curriculum is aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety & Physical Education and is delivered in a variety of teaching styles to optimize and accommodate student learning. A main goal of the program is for students to apply the knowledge gained to make healthy lifestyle decisions. 

The middle school Physical Education Program provides cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning opportunities aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety & Physical Education in order to gain a better appreciation, working knowledge and understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Students engage in a wide variety of activities including team sports, cooperative games, personal fitness, lifetime pursuits, team building and indoor rock climbing. Classes are differentiated to meet all levels of ability and students are encouraged to optimize their participation by being prepared with a required uniform.

In Level 1 World Language classes, students develop the skills of listening, understanding, speaking, reading, and writing at a beginner’s level. The course includes vocabulary building, development of basic structural patterns, listening comprehension exercises, instructional games, role-playing, and exploration of culture. Listening and speaking skills are combined with written work for evaluation.

Students have the option to take: French 1, German 1, Italian 1, Latin 1, Spanish 1

If students opt to take a World Language, the course will replace reading instruction.

Middle school students may register for ONE performing ensemble class (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) OR they will be enrolled in Music Production & Technology.

Band

Students who play band instruments are given the opportunity to perform many styles of literature from classical to contemporary. The development of technical skills, musical knowledge, and self discipline, as well as learning to work together as a unified organization, are important elements of the band program.
Prerequisites: (1) essential technical skills on a band instrument as prescribed in the district band curriculum; and (2) approval by the band director.

Chorus

Each grade level practices and performs varied selections of choral literature while working toward developing tone, intonation, diction, blend, balance, and breathing techniques. Furthermore, students will continue to improve their music literacy, ear-training/audiation skills, and sight-reading abilities. Chorus is designed for students who have a high level of interest in singing and improving their vocal skills. 

String Orchestra

Students who play string instruments are given the opportunity to perform many styles of string ensemble/orchestral literature ranging from baroque to jazz. Students develop their technique and knowledge of scales and rhythms as well as their sensitivity to style and character of the music. As a community of people, members of the string orchestra learn to work together with self discipline toward a common goal: excellence in performance.
Prerequisites: (1) essential technical skills on a violin, viola, cello or double bass and (2) approval by the middle school string directors.

Music Production & Technology

Music Production & Technology students study a variety of topics, digital audio workstations (DAW),  including music theory, music history, instrumentation, composition, musical careers, recording, and the music industry. Building upon the skills and technologies learned in 6th grade classroom music, students will explore how to integrate their knowledge and skills to produce a variety of musical pieces, reflective of different styles, cultures, and time periods.

Sustainable Design & Energy

This course is an interdisciplinary technology & engineering course that focuses on sustainable design and energy, and the impacts that renewable and non-renewable resources have on the community and the global environment and economy. Through various projects, laboratory activities, field studies, and research, students will explore how various resources and systems can be sustainable and the impacts that energy has on resource development and availability. This course will provide opportunities to investigate current issues and topics in engineering and related career fields.