uses word processing and desktop publishing programs to develop language and writing skills
creates and works with a file using a simple database program
uses a basic program to develop typing skills
Library Skills
selects suitable resources for poetry, quotations, fiction, biography, current events, and information on specific subjects
infers facts and ideas from reading, listening, and viewing
paraphrases information
Art
makes comparisons between contemporary and classical uses of space and structure and relates these uses to the needs of various cultures
produces spatial designs to demonstrate that space can be defined
demonstrates knowledge of color theory
observes and produces visual patterns having distinct rhythms/speeds
recognizes and identifies the contributions of artists from diverse cultures
Communication Arts and Reading
reads and speaks expressively, clearly, and with appropriate body language
explains how accents affect pronunciation, how careful listening may be necessary to get the meaning of words, and how the use of voice and body language differ culturally
compares factual information, understands author's point of view and techniques of persuasion, differentiates between fact and opinion
uses the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, conferring, editing, publishing) to produce pieces that contain ideas, description, and information using proper punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphs, and organizations
Health and Physical Education
relates fitness, endurance, muscular strength to efficiency in daily tasks
participates in culminating activities and team tournaments, including noncompetitive and competitive play
appreciates and understands the importance of mental health and family living including sex education, drug and substance abuse, alcohol, smoking, disease prevention and control, consumer health, safety and first aid, and environmental and community health
Home and Career Skills
develops skills that lead to effective decisions, problem solving, and management in the home, school, community, and workplace
studies personal development and relationships to others
learns about responsible management of personal and family money, nutrition, clothing, personal environment, and consumer choices
plans for high school, examines careers, and is introduced to world of work
Mathematics
makes and tests conjectures; makes and supports generalizations
explains the difference between "experimental" and "theoretical" probability
explains and uses algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities to generalize patterns and solve problems
finds and uses square roots
Science
understands the characteristics, organization, and needs of living things
understands the concept of microbiology, including: bacteria, viruses, immunizations, antibiotics
understands the varied systems of the body, including the skeletal, nervous, circulatory, endocrine, excretory, and reproductive
Second/Foreign Languages
(Second language study usually begins at the sixth or seventh grade and continues into high school through various checkpoints
in the way to fluency)
Checkpoint One
understands simple statements and questions
holds a conversation using questions and answers
understands simple short, general messages
writes a paragraph or short composition about himself or herself
becomes aware of and better understands other cultures
Checkpoint Two
understands short conversation about everyday situations
begins to carry out a conversation using limited vocabulary
reads and understands simple stories
writes simple notes, letters, and short reports
continues to increase awareness of, begins to appreciate, and develops greater understanding of other cultures
Checkpoint Three
understands the important points of discussion of familiar topics
initiates and holds a conversation in which more complex ideas are expresses
reads and understands more sophisticated stories
writes short letters and notes that native speakers of the second language are able to understand
respects, appreciates, and becomes more knowledgeable about other cultures
Social Studies
discusses the political, economic, and social development of the United States, New York State, and New York City through 1870
understands the development of Canada and Mexico and their impact upon the development of the U.S., including: the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, westward expansion, and the American Civil War
understands the impact of westward expansion from the perspectives of various cultural groups, including Native Americans
understands the political, social, and economical causes of the Civil War and its impact on diverse racial and cultural groups
studies the structures of our federal, state, and local government
Technology Education
learns to plan ahead and design solutions to problems, using the 7 resources of daily life: humans, information, materials, tools and machines, energy, capital, and time
applies math, science, and other academic skills to problem solving