Academic Support

Course description

Foundations for Learning is a skill-building class designed to strengthen students’ reading and math abilities through targeted instruction and practice. Students are placed based on their current skill level (Persistently At-Risk, At Risk, and On Track) so they can receive the support they need to grow as learners.  Once students reach grade-level proficiency, they will be scheduled into an “On Track” course with a reading and math focus for extension and enrichment. Students will also have the opportunity for student support groups during this time.

Proficiency learning targets for grade 5 Foundations of Learning

Reading-Literature Proficiency Targets

As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

• Use prefixes, suffixes, and syllabication patterns to decode unfamiliar multisyllabic words both in and out of context. (5.1.1.2)
• Read grade-level words and passages accurately, with appropriate pacing and expression, to help me understand what I read. (5.1.1.3)
• Use common Greek and Latin roots and affixes (prefixes and suffixes) as clues to figure out the meaning of unknown academic words. (5.1.4.4)
• Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and make logical inferences, citing textual evidence in writing and speaking. (5.1.1.1)
• Analyze the structure of a text, including how sentences and larger portions relate to the whole (paragraphs, scenes, stanzas). (5.1.5.5 / 5.2.5.5)
• Assess how point of view or purpose shapes content and style. (5.1.6.6 / 5.2.6.6)
• Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over time. (5.1.3.3 / 5.2.3.3)
• Determine central ideas and themes, analyze their development, and summarize key details. (5.2.1.1)
• Evaluate arguments and specific claims in a text, including reasoning and evidence. (5.1.8.8 / 5.2.8.8)

Resources Used

• REWARDS Intermediate Program
• Scope Magazine
• Self-Selected Texts
• Leveled Passages
• Leveled Mazes
• ReadWorks
• IXL

Math Proficiency Targets

Number and Operation

• 5.1.1 Divide multi-digit numbers; solve real-world and mathematical problems using arithmetic.

• 5.1.2 Read, write, represent, and compare fractions and decimals; recognize and write equivalent fractions; convert between fractions and decimals; use fractions and decimals in real-world and mathematical situations.
• 5.1.3 Add and subtract fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Algebra

• 5.2.1 Recognize and represent patterns of change; use patterns, tables, graphs, and rules to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Geometry and Measurement

• 5.3.2 Determine the area of triangles and quadrilaterals; determine the surface area and volume of rectangular prisms in various contexts.

Data Analysis

• 5.4.1 Display and interpret data; determine mean, median, and range.

Resources

• IXL
• XtraMath
• FastBridge
• Multiplication by Heart
• Multiplication.com
• Addie Math
• Ascend Math
• MathFactLab
• Math Playground
• Quizlet
• Jeopardylabs
• Mathgames
• Quizziz
• Integer flashcards – emath
• Kahoot

Course description

Foundations for Learning is a skill-building class designed to strengthen students’ reading and math abilities through targeted instruction and practice. Students are placed based on their current skill level (Persistently At-Risk, At Risk, and On Track) so they can receive the support they need to grow as learners.  Once students reach grade-level proficiency, they will be scheduled into an “On Track” course with a reading and math focus for extension and enrichment. Students will also have the opportunity for student support groups during this time.

Proficiency learning targets for grade 6 Foundations of Learning

Reading-Literature Proficiency Targets

As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

• 6.1.1.2 Apply combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication patterns, and morphology to read accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words. 
• 6.1.4.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words using Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues.
• 6.4.1.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• 6.4.2.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
• 6.4.4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
• 6.4.10.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature and other texts including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently and independently with appropriate scaffolding for texts at the high end of the range.
• 6.11.6.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Resources Used

• REWARDS Intermediate Program
• Scope Magazine
• Self-Selected Texts
• Leveled Passages
• Leveled Mazes
• ReadWorks
• IXL

Math Proficiency Targets

Number and Operation

• 6.1.2 Understand the concept of ratio and its relationship to fractions and to the multiplication and division of whole numbers.  Use ratios to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
• 6.1.3 Multiply and divide decimals, fractions and mixed numbers; solve real-world and mathematical problems using arithmetic with positive rational numbers.

Algebra

• 6.2.1 Recognize and represent relationships between varying quantities; translate from one representation to another; use patterns, tables, graphs and rules to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
• 6.2.3 Understand and interpret equations and inequalities involving variables and positive rational numbers.  Use equations and inequalities to represent real-world and mathematical problems; use the idea of maintaining equality to solve equations.  Interpret solutions in the original context.

Geometry and Measurement

• 6.3.1 Calculate perimeter, area, surface area and volume of two- and three-dimensional figures to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Data Analysis

• 6.4.1 Use probabilities to solve real-world and mathematical problems; represent probabilities using fractions, decimals and percents.

Resources

• IXL
• XtraMath
• FastBridge
• Multiplication by Heart
• Multiplication.com
• Addie Math
• Ascend Math
• MathFactLab
• Math Playground
• Quizlet
• Jeopardylabs
• Mathgames
• Quizziz
• Integer flashcards – emath
• Kahoot

Course description

Foundations for Learning is a skill-building class designed to strengthen students’ reading and math abilities through targeted instruction and practice. Students are placed based on their current skill level (Persistently At-Risk, At Risk, and On Track) so they can receive the support they need to grow as learners.  Once students reach grade-level proficiency, they will be scheduled into an “On Track” course with a reading and math focus for extension and enrichment. Students will also have the opportunity for student support groups during this time.

Proficiency learning targets for grade 7 Foundations of Learning

Reading-Literature Proficiency Targets

As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

• Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words using Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues  (7.1.4.4)
• Cite textual evidence that most strongly supports the analysis (7.4.1.1)
• Determine what the text says explicitly (7.4.1.1)
• Summarize a text. (7.4.2.2)
• Explain how a theme develops over the course of a text. (7.4.2.2)
• Use context clues to define words and phrases, including figurative language. (7.4.4.4)
• Explain how words and phrases contribute to tone and mood. (7.4.4.4)
• Self-select a variety of student-appropriate texts based on interest. (7.4.10.10)

Resources Used

• REWARDS Intermediate Program
• Scope Magazine
• IXL
• Self-Selected Texts
• Leveled Passages
• Leveled Mazes
• ReadWorks

Math Proficiency Targets

Number and Operation

• 7.1.1 Read, write, represent and compare positive and negative rational numbers, expressed as integers, fractions and decimals.
• 7.1.2 Calculate with positive and negative rational numbers, and rational numbers with whole number exponents, to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Algebra

• 7.2.2 Recognize proportional relationships in real-world and mathematical situations represent these and other relationships with tables, verbal descriptions, symbols and graphs; solve problems involving proportional relationships and explain results in the original contexts.
• 7.2.4 Represent real-world and mathematical situations using equations with variables. Solve equations symbolically, using the properties of equality. Also solve equations graphically and numerically. Interpret solutions in the original context.

Geometry and Measurement

• 7.3.2 Analyze the effect of change of scale, translations and reflections on the attributes of two-dimensional figures.

Data Analysis

• 7.4.1 Use mean, median and range to draw conclusions about data and make predictions.

Resources

• IXL
• XtraMath
• FastBridge
• Multiplication by Heart
• Multiplication.com
• Get More Math
• Addie Math
• Ascend Math
• MathFactLab
• Math Playground
• Quizlet
• Jeopardylabs
• Mathgames
• Quizziz
• Integer flashcards – emath
• Kahoot

Course description

Foundations for Learning is a skill-building class designed to strengthen students’ reading and math abilities through targeted instruction and practice. Students are placed based on their current skill level (Persistently At-Risk, At Risk, and On Track) so they can receive the support they need to grow as learners.  Once students reach grade-level proficiency, they will be scheduled into an “On Track” course with a reading and math focus for extension and enrichment. Students will also have the opportunity for student support groups during this time.

Proficiency learning targets for grade 8 Foundations of Learning

Reading-Literature Proficiency Targets

As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

• Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words using Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues (8.1.4.4)
• Cite textual evidence that most strongly supports the analysis (8.4.1.1)
• Determine what the text says explicitly (8.4.1.1)
• Summarize a text. (8.4.2.2)
• Explain how a theme develops over the course of a text. (8.4.2.2)
• Use context clues to define words and phrases, including figurative language. (8.4.4.4)
• Explain how words and phrases contribute to tone and mood. (8.4.4.4)
• Self-select a variety of student-appropriate texts based on interest. (8.4.10.10)

Resources Used

• REWARDS Intermediate Program
• Scope Magazine
• IXL
• Self-Selected Texts
• Leveled Passages
• Leveled Mazes
• ReadWorks

Math Proficiency Targets

Number and Operation

• Read, write, compare, classify and represent real numbers, and use them to solve problems in various contexts. (8.1.1)

Algebra

• Understand the concept of function in real-world and mathematical situations, and distinguish between linear and nonlinear functions. (8.2.1)
• Recognize linear functions in real-world and mathematical situations; represent linear functions with tables, verbal descriptions, symbols and graphs; solve problems involving these functions and explain results in the original context. (8.2.2)
• Represent real-world and mathematical situations using equations and inequalities involving linear expressions. Solve equations and inequalities symbolically and graphically. Interpret solutions in the original context. (8.2.4)

Geometry and Measurement

• Solve problems involving parallel and perpendicular lines on a coordinate system. (8.3.2)

Data Analysis

• Interpret data using scatter plots and approximate lines of best fit. Use lines of best fit to draw conclusions about data. (8.4.1)

Resources

• McGraw-Hill Textbook - Algebra  
• IXL
• XtraMath
• FastBridge
• Multiplication by Heart
• Multiplication.com
• Get More Math
• Addie Math
• Ascend Math
• MathFactsLab
• Math Playground
• Quizlet
• Jeopardylabs
• Mathgames
• Quizziz
• Integer flashcards - emath
• Kahoo

There are six levels of English language proficiency in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing domains. WIDA’s Key Language Uses—Narrate, Inform, Explain, and Argue—are present across all grade levels and disciplines and used for developing learning targets. Table below offers snapshots of some ways students engage in each Key Language Use throughout all grades. [WIDA English Language Development Framework, 2020]

Narrate

• Describe people, objects, and scenes using imagery, metaphors, and other stylistic devices
• Manipulate pace to bring attention to key points in the narrative
• Underscore the significance of events
• Create tension and suspense
• Interpret and use historical narratives as primary source evidence in constructing arguments

Inform

• Manage information about entities according to their composition, taxonomies, and classifications
• Identify and describe various relationships among ideas and information
• Interpret multiple sources of information to develop knowledge before reporting on topics
• Construct research reports that require multiple sources of factual information

Explain

• Identify, analyze, and give account for causal, consequential, or systems relationships
• Apply scientific reasoning to show how or why something works
• Construct explanations using models or representations
• Use evidence in the construction of scientific explanations

Argue

• Interpret multiple sources of information to develop claims and counterclaims
• Construct claims and offer them for debate
• Respond to counterclaims
• Contextualize and evaluate primary and secondary sources
• Analyze literary techniques, such as the development of theme and characterization in works of fiction

Narrate

Students will

• Share ideas about one’s own and others’ lived experiences and previous learning
• Connect stories with images and representations to add meaning
• Identify and raise questions about what might be unexplained, missing, or left unsaid
• Recount and restate ideas to sustain and move dialogue forward
• Create closure, recap, and offer next steps

Inform

Students will

• Define and classify facts and interpretations; determine what is known vs. unknown
• Report on explicit and inferred characteristics, patterns, or behavior
• Describe the parts and wholes of a system
• Sort, clarify, and summarize relationships
• Summarize most important aspects of information

Explain

Students will:

• Generate and convey initial thinking
• Follow and describe cycles and sequences of steps or procedures and their causes and effects
• Compare changing variables, factors, and circumstances
• Offer alternatives to extend or deepen awareness of factors that contribute to particular outcomes
• Act on feedback to revise understandings of how or why something is or works in particular ways

Argue

Students will

• Generate questions about different perspectives
• Support or challenge an opinion, premise, or interpretation
• Clarify and elaborate ideas based on feedback
• Evaluate changes in thinking, identifying trade-offs
• Refine claims and reasoning based on new information or evidence

Narrate

Interpretive: Students will interpret language arts narratives by

• Identifying a theme or central idea that develops over the course of a text
• Analyzing how character attributes and actions develop in relation to events or dialogue
• Evaluating impact of specific word choices about meaning and tone

Expressive: Students will construct language arts narratives that

• Orient audience to context and point of view
• Develop and describe characters and their relationships
• Develop story, including themes with complication and resolution, time, and event sequences
• Engage and adjust for audience

Inform

Interpretive: Students will interpret informational texts in language arts by

• Identifying and/or summarizing main ideas and their relationship to supporting ideas
• Analyzing observations and descriptions in textual evidence for key attributes, qualities, characteristics, activities, and behaviors
• Evaluating the impact of author’s key word choices over the course of a text

Expressive: Students will construct informational texts in language arts that

• Introduce and define topic and/or entity for audience
• Establish objective or neutral stance
• Add precision, details, and clarity about relevant attributes, qualities, characteristics, activities, and behaviors
• Develop coherence and cohesion throughout text

Argue

Interpretive: Students will interpret language arts arguments by

• Identifying and summarizing central idea distinct from prior knowledge or opinions
• Analyzing how an author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints
• Evaluating relevance, sufficiency of evidence, and validity of reasoning that support claim(s)

Expressive: Students will construct language arts arguments that

• Introduce and develop claim(s) and acknowledge counterclaim(s)
• Support claims with reasons and evidence that are clear, relevant, and credible
• Establish and maintain formal style
• Logically organize claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence; offer a conclusion

Explain

Interpretive: Students will interpret mathematical explanations by

• Identifying concept or entity
• Analyzing possible ways to represent and solve a problem
• Evaluating model and rationale for underlying relationships in selected problem-solving approach

Expressive: Students will construct mathematical explanations that

• Introduce concept or entity
• Share solution with others
• Describe data and/or problem-solving strategy
• State reasoning used to generate solution

Argue

Interpretive: Students will interpret mathematics arguments by

• Comparing conjectures with previously established results
• Distinguishing commonalities among strategies used
• Evaluating relationships between evidence and mathematical facts to create generalizations

Expressive: Students will construct mathematics arguments that

• Create conjecture, using definitions and previously established results
• Generalize logic across cases
• Justify conclusions with evidence and mathematical facts
• Evaluate and critique others’ arguments

Explain

Interpretive: Students will interpret scientific explanations by

• Defining investigable questions or design problems based on observations, information, and/or data about a phenomenon
• Determining central ideas in complex evidence and information to help explain how or why a phenomenon occurs
• Evaluating scientific reasoning that shows why data or evidence adequately supports conclusions

Expressive: Students will construct scientific explanations that

• Describe valid and reliable evidence from sources about a phenomenon
• Establish neutral or objective stance in how results are communicated
• Develop reasoning to show relationships among independent and dependent variables in models and simple systems
• Summarize patterns in evidence, making trade-offs, revising, and retesting

Argue

Interpretive: Students will interpret scientific arguments by

• Identifying convincing evidence from data, models, and/or information from investigations of phenomena or design solutions
• Comparing reasoning and claims based on evidence from two arguments on the same topic
• Evaluating whether they emphasize similar or different evidence and/or interpretations of facts

Expressive: Students will construct scientific arguments that

• Introduce and contextualize topic/phenomenon in issues related to the natural and designed world(s)
• Support or refute a claim based on data and evidence
• Establish and maintain a neutral or objective stance
• Signal logical relationships among reasoning, evidence, data, and/or a model when making or defending a claim or counterclaim

Explain

Interpretive: Students will interpret social studies explanations by

• Determining multiple points of view in sources for answering compelling and supporting questions about phenomena or events
• Analyzing sources for logical relationships among contributing factors or causes
• Evaluating experts’ points of agreement, along with strengths and weakness of explanations

Expressive: Students will construct social studies explanations that

• Introduce and contextualize phenomena or events
• Establish perspective for communicating outcomes, consequences, or documentation
• Develop reasoning, sequences with linear and nonlinear relationships, evidence, and details, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses
• Generalize multiple causes and effects of developments or events

Argue

Interpretive: Students will interpret social studies arguments by

• Identifying topic and purpose (argue in favor or against a position, present a balanced interpretation, challenge perspective)
• Analyzing relevant information from multiple sources to support claims
• Evaluating point of view and credibility of source based on relevance and intended use

Expressive: Students will construct social studies arguments that

• Introduce and contextualize topic
• Select relevant information to support claims with evidence gathered from multiple sources
• Establish perspective
• Show relationships between claims and counterclaims, differences in perspectives, and evidence and reasoning

• ELD Standards Framework/ WIDA
• ACCESS: Newcomers
• Inside: Language, Literacy, and Content
• Edge: Reading, Writing, and Language
• “Outer Edge” Course
• “Wild Side” Course
• RAZ-KIDS: online reading program
• Scholastic News Edition 5⁄6
• Junior Scholastic