6th Grade Course of Study

English 6: (required)

Students read selected literature in several genres, including novels, short fiction, traditional literature, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies to enhance their comprehension. They develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, narrative writing, and expository writing. They learn strategies for planning and organizing their writing, editing and revising their work. Listening and speaking strategies are emphasized during class discussions and oral presentations. This course is required for 6th grade and can not be skipped. 

Math (required) – students take one of the following math courses. They will be placed based on data off of results from the MDTP placement test. Students who opt out of the test or do not take it will be placed in their grade level course. 

• Math 6: This course is designed to begin to prepare students for the demands of Algebra and the associated national standardized testing. Math 6 is taught in 6th grade as the first step in the Pre-Algebra progression. The overall teaching goal is to prepare students for success in the higher levels of Common Core Math and to develop the "habits of mind"/problem solving skills that benefit other areas of their lives. Sixth grade math is full of practical math skills that are part of daily life.

• Math 7: This is the second of a three-year sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a rigorous college preparatory algebra course. It uses a problem-based approach with concrete models. The course helps students develop multiple strategies to solve problems and to recognize the connections between concepts. The lessons in the course meet all of the content standards.

• Math 8: This course is designed to prepare students for the rigorous demands of the Common Core Algebra course and the associated national standardized testing that was instituted in the 2015-2016 school year. This class is the third step in a progression that begins with Math 6 and focuses on the Linear Algebraic concepts related primarily to equations, systems of equations and inequalities and parts of Plane Geometry. The overall teaching goal is not only to prepare our students for success in the higher levels of Common Core Mathematics, but to develop the "habits of mind" also known as Mathematical Practices, along with life- and problem-solving skills that benefit other areas of their lives.

Social Science 6: (required) Ancient Worlds:

The 6th grade Social Science course covers ancient world history from 3000BCE through approximately 200CE. Students will first learn about geography and prehistoric humans and then about historical events and early civilizations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Africa. This course is required for 6th grade and can not be skipped. 

Science 6: (required) Integrated Science:

The study of the Earth in 6th grade is based on understanding our world from the local level to the universe. This 4-quarter class will start with a study of Oakland and the Bay Area in the First quarter. Second quarter will focus on California. In the Third quarter, students will study earth-wide topics and in the Fourth quarter, they will learn about the universe. This class will have at least one hands-on learning experience each week. This course is required for 6th grade and can not be skipped. 

Physical Education: (required)

This course is designed in accordance with State of California mandated guidelines to provide our middle school students daily opportunities to exercise with emphasis on stretching, cardiovascular and core exercises.  Students focus on different activities throughout the year as well, based on a student survey of elected sports. This course is required by state law.