Grades 7–9
Course Placement/Leveling

As our goal is to maximize learning and enhance the educational experience for each student, teachers consider a variety of factors when making placement decisions. 

The goal of the placement process is to match students to the courses in which they will experience appropriate degrees of challenge. Educators call this the optimal instructional zone, or the Zone of Proximal Development (Vygotsky, 1978). 

If a student is placed in a level that falls outside of their instructional zone, they are either not adequately challenged, or find the work exceedingly difficult. This results in frustration and little or no growth or learning. When students are appropriately placed, they are guided to reach beyond their current ability levels and attain high levels of achievement.

It is important to note that leveling is fluid in English/Language Arts. Thus, commensurate with achievement, performance, and motivation, students may change levels from one year to the next. 

Students and parents are urged to give careful consideration to the teacher's decision for course placement. The decisions are made with care, and are based on evidence, experience, and the best interest of students. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information about English/Language Arts course sequences and placement criteria.

Please click below for more information.