Prerequisite: STAR GATE Program Selection

The English Language Arts 7 GATE curriculum will focus on an even more rigorous study of the elements of literature and the reading of short stories, novels, plays, myths, and informational text from diverse cultures and different time periods. There will be a focus on a student-centered learning environment where learners will analyze text, cite evidence, and respond critically about their reading. Students will improve their close reading and compositional skills by reading and writing Narrative, Informative, Explanatory, and Argument-Based selections. Writing assignments will be related to the literature studied in class and through independent student research. The teacher will guide the students through the reading and writing processes; students will work toward acquiring a plethora of strategies to develop greater independence and confidence when they read and write on their own. One specific area of development will be the extraction of theme from text and its application to daily life.  Presentation of knowledge and ideas will be further demonstrated via public speaking, group discussions, and personal reflection, and students will learn to become critical consumers of information. Students will strengthen their critical thinking skills, abilities to interact in small and large groups, and knowledge of self and the world around them. Independent reading units will be included, as well as class presentations. Students will recognize the ways in which the English language is a part of their everyday lives. The New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts 7 will frame the curricular goals of this course.

The Grade 7 ACCELERATED Math class curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The course begins the rigorous and fast paced GATE math program at the junior high school and stresses the development of higher order reasoning skills in mathematics.Instructional time is focused upon the following units: (1) The Number System; (2) Expressions and Equations; (3) Ratios and Proportions; (4) Statistics and Probability; (5) Geometry. Student experiences will include hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, technology applications and meaningful connections to real world problems.

Gifted and talented students begin their exploration of science with an intense survey of topics in general biology including the structure and function of the cell and its organelles, the classification of living organisms, an introduction to the central dogma of molecular biology, the fundamentals of cellular respiration, photosynthesis, evolution, genetics, and biotechnology.  The depth of instruction reflects the ability of GATE students to work on their own and study intensely.  The curriculum covers all the topics needed for success on the Next Generation Science Standards as adopted by the New Jersey Department of Education.  Extensive writing in science continues to be a hallmark of the STAR*GATE program.  Students should expect research projects and detailed laboratory reporting assignments. GATE Science provides many enrichment and self-directed learning opportunities.  

The GATE social studies course is also written to help develop active and informed citizens by providing students with a knowledge and appreciation of their government, while at the same time offering them the skills necessary for participation in democracy.  To achieve the NJ State Standards, an extensive coverage of the US Constitution will be combined with a study of US history from the colonial period to the Civil War.  This course will include the use of primary sources, research methodology, analytical problem solving, technology, and decision making opportunities.  The curriculum is designed for students who need to be challenged and are capable of achieving the highest level of performance.  The student will improve their deep reading of informational text and their compositional skills through Document Based Questions and Free Response Questions. Close analysis of primary, secondary, and independent inquiry documents will be a focus. Writing assignments are related to content studied in class and through independent student research. The New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies 8 will frame the outcomes of this course.