What’s Worth Learning

1. Students will master operations with rational numbers

2. Students will use and grow knowledge of the number system to include understanding real numbers, their classifications, and ordering on the number line

3. Students will master simplifying, and evaluating algebraic expressions with variables

4. Students will solve one-step and multi-step linear equations and inequalities

5. Students will analyze and graph functions

6. Students will understand similarity, congruence, transformations, and the relationships among angles, triangles, and other polygons

7. Students will apply the Pythagorean Theorem to determine side lengths in right triangles

8. Students will understand how to compute surface area and volume

9. Students will develop mathematical reasoning and proof

10. Students will master quick computation of addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division 

1. Emotional Understanding 

Students will demonstrate effective self-regulation by identifying their emotional triggers and applying at least two learned coping strategies, deep breathing, self-talk, brief walk, etc. in classroom or social environments by the end of the school year.

2. Collaboration

Students will collaborate productively in small groups by contributing, listening actively, and completing assigned roles so the group reaches its agreed outcome in at least 3 of 4 group assignments per quarter.

3. Technological Understanding 

Students will use technology responsibly and safely by demonstrating appropriate online behavior, protecting personal information, and citing digital sources correctly in at least three online assignments.

4. Anti Racism 

Students will demonstrate anti-racist awareness and behavior by identifying at least two examples of stereotypes, explaining why they are harmful, and practicing inclusive language and actions in classroom discussions and group activities on a consistent basis.

5. Critical Thinking 

Students will apply critical thinking skills by analyzing patterns, relationships, and evidence in real-world problems, selecting a logical strategy, and justifying their reasoning in writing or discussion at least once per unit.

6. Creativity 

Students will demonstrate creativity by coming up with multiple approaches to a solution of a given problem, using visual, numerical, or symbolic representations, and explaining how each approach connects to the original task at least once per unit.

7. Time management 

Students will manage time and organizational tasks effectively by using a planner or digital organizer to record assignments, set priorities, and meet deadlines for all of assigned work over a grading period.

8. Healthy Lifestyle Understanding 

Students will maintain healthy lifestyle habits by establishing personal goals for physical activity, sleep, or nutrition and reflecting on progress monthly throughout the school year.

9. Safety Awareness

Students will demonstrate basic safety and first-aid awareness by identifying emergency procedures, describing when to seek adult help, and showing familiarity with one basic first-aid skill by the end of the academic year.

10. Professionalism 

Students will demonstrate professionalism by arriving prepared with required materials, following classroom routines, using respectful communication, and completing assigned tasks 4 out of 5 week days. 

I recieved a helpful hand from AI by asking what skills should middle school students in southwest virginia learn 

When asked: "In a paragrapgh, describe specific ways in which the skills comprising the goal "Students will master quick computation of addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division” are used in the real world by using: job postings, community data, authentic texts related to real-world applications that might relate"

AI Answered: 

Real-World Applications of Quick Computation Skills

Quick computation skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are essential in many real-world settings, both in everyday life and in the workplace. Job postings in retail, construction, and healthcare consistently list “basic math skills” as requirements, since employees must calculate change without a register, measure materials, or compute medication dosages quickly and accurately. Community workforce data in Southwest Virginia also shows that fields such as manufacturing and logistics rely heavily on quick calculations for tasks like tracking inventory and computing production rates. Authentic texts such as restaurant menus, sports box scores, and bank statements demonstrate how mental math is used to calculate tips, track averages, or balance accounts. Even student experiences reflect this need: a classroom survey might ask how often they calculate allowance savings, split costs with friends, or keep score in sports or games—highlighting that mental computation is already a part of their daily routines. Together, these examples show that mastering quick computation is a vital life skill supported by authentic demands in work, community, and personal life.