8th Grade Careers
Middle School Course Map – IMS Review
October/November
ASCA Standards: A:A1 Improve academic self concept, A:A2 Acquire skills for improving learning, B:B2 Plan to achieve goals
Purpose : The purpose of this lesson is to re-visit the Middle School Course Maps so that students can see the choices they have in middle school and how they will impact both their success in middle school AND their class choices in high school.
Introduction: Explain to students that in 8th grade they will learn more about the importance of school and have a chance to explore different careers.
Materials Needed: Generally a 2 period lesson. (1) Overheads of Middle School Course Maps and/or in-focus projector (PowerPoint lesson is available), (2) Test Taking Plan Worksheet and (3) Improving Reading, Writing and Math Packet (a set of 30 to reuse for each class).
Lesson: Start the lesson by reviewing the Middle School Course Map Examples (using the overhead examples or an in focus) with students. Explain the different levels for each class and the ways in which students are placed/scheduled into classes i.e. test scores, teacher recommendations. Explain how students can earn high school credit for Washington State History, Algebra, and Geometry . Explain that as students approach high school the farther over to the right of the course map they are the more choices it might afford them when they enter high school.
Optional: Review IMS – how to log in and features
Next: Hand out a Middle School Course Map to each student (the district is in the process of attaching the Middle School Course Map to Bridges and you can have students fill it in electronically if you do this lesson in the computer lab). If students have their copy from 6th/ 7th grade they may use it. Fill in 7th grade Transcript and WASL scores.
Next: Hand out “Test Taking Plan” worksheet and “Improving Reading, Writing and Math” Packet. Brainstorm with the class other ways students can improve their learning and possibly move up a level and complete “Test Taking Plan” worksheet.
Next : Have students put their MS Course Map and Test Taking Plan in their MSLP collection folder.