Social Studies

Grade Placement: 6

Prerequisite: Social Studies 5

Description
This course is a study of people and places in the contemporary world. The focus is on contemporary cultures using an examination of geography and the past to support critical knowledge of present circumstances and culture. This course is not a course in World History, nor is it an examination of just World Geography. The curriculum is an exploratory look at the “highpoints” of history, political science, economics and culture set in the framework of geography. The emphasis of the course is on developing critical thinking and analysis skills, study skills, and research skills through integration of strategies sanctioned by the College Board.  In addition to covering the major aspects of the concepts, knowledge, and skills as outlined in the TEKS. This course extends the study to include a more detailed look at content and an emphasis on the use and analysis of primary source documents.  What’s Next? Social Studies 7 (Texas History)

Grade Placement: 6 

Prerequisite: See Secondary Math Guide at end of course catalog

Description
Accelerated Math 6 is the beginning of an accelerated mathematics program designed to prepare students to study Algebra I in Grade 8 and to continue their high school mathematics education Advanced Placement Calculus and/or Dual Credit Mathematics Courses.  This course will cover all of the Grade 6 mathematics standards and half of the Grade 7 mathematics standards.  Placement of students choosing to pursue this course to begin the accelerated mathematics program will be based on student assessment data in grade 5 or by self-selection into the course by student and parent.  What’s Next? Accelerated Mathematics 7

Grade Placement: 7 

Prerequisite: Social Studies 6

Description
This Honors course provides challenging coursework that emphasizes key literacy and analysis skills. Students will have opportunities to strengthen skills in evidence-based writing,close observation and analysis, higher-order questioning, and academic conversation in preparation for the Advanced Placement courses in high school. Students will study the history of Texas from early times to the present. Areas of study will include Natural Texas and its People; Age of Contact; Spanish Colonial; Mexican National; Revolution and Republic; Early Statehood; Texas in the Civil War and Reconstruction; Cotton, Cattle and Railroads; Age of Oil; Texas in the Great Depression and World War II; Civil Rights and Conservatism; and Contemporary Texas eras. Students identify the regions of Texas and describe the structure and functions of government. Students will examine the rights and responsibilities of Texas citizens, identify different ethnic groups who contributed to Texas culture, and analyze the impact of science and technology on the development of Texas in various industries. A wide variety of primary and secondary source material is used to teach the strands of knowledge and skills through independent reading, analytical writing and in-depth discussions.

Grade Placement: 8 

Prerequisite: Social Studies 7

Description
This course is a survey course from the beginning of America through the era of Reconstruction. Students will be introduced to the geographical, social, cultural, political, and economic influences that have shaped early America. Studies will focus on contributions of various early groups and the basic elements of United States citizenship, including introduction to the Constitution, the structure and function of our national government, and the implications of the Bill of Rights. The emphasis of the course is on developing critical thinking and analysis skills, study skills, and research skills through integration of strategies sanctioned by the College Board. In addition to covering the major aspects of the concepts, knowledge, and skills outlined in the TEKS, this course extends the study to include a more detailed look at the content and an emphasis on the use and analysis of primary source documents.   What’s next in high school? World Geography

Grade Placement: 8 

Prerequisite: Social Studies 7

Description
In this course students study the history of the United States from colonization through Reconstruction. Students analyze political, economic, religious and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the challenges of the early Republic, the Age of Jackson, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War and Reconstruction. Students examine the physical characteristics of the U.S. and their impact on how and where Americans lived, the American beliefs and principles reflected in historical documents such as the U.S. Constitution, the effects of major Supreme Court cases and major reform movements of the 19th century and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the United States as well as the importance of effective leadership in a constitutional republic. Students evaluate the impact of science and technology on the development of the U.S. A wide variety of primary and secondary source material is used to teach the strands of knowledge and skills.  What’s next in high school? World Geography

Please note: Course Catalogs will be updated as needed to reflect new information from the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education