Registering for Courses for 2020-21:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Everett Public Schools is committed to providing support, guidance, and opportunities to ensure that each student is college and career ready. As you consider the choice of courses for the next school year, please keep in mind that all English and math core and advanced pathway classes are college preparatory classes. To learn about all of the curriculum choices for next year, we encourage you to:

· Review the course design and expectations for advanced pathway courses

· Talk with your child’s current teacher about the best placement for the next school year

· Attend an informational meeting at ______ on _______ at _________to learn more about curriculum choices for 6th grade

To determine if the additional challenge, rigor, and expectations of advanced pathway courses is the right placement for your child, we encourage you to thoughtfully consider the characteristics of students likely to succeed in advanced pathway courses. Students who are successful in both English and math advanced pathway courses:

· Demonstrate academic performance at or above grade level proficiency in English (Reading and Writing) or in Math

· Demonstrate a high level of interest, intellectual engagement, and a strong desire to be challenged in English and/or math

· Are highly self-motivated, have the desire to excel in their courses, take responsibility for their own learning, attend class regularly, complete assignments on time, and recognize that effort is an important component of success

· Successfully complete tasks that require time, thought, perseverance, and implementation of multiple steps, concepts, or techniques

· Examine and learn from errors, try different approaches when needed, revise their work throughout the learning process, and seek help and access resources when needed

Course Design and Expectations for Advanced Pathway Courses:

Advanced pathway courses involve faster pacing, increasingly rigorous content, and increased homework and study expectations. Students need to be willing to invest the extra time outside of school in order to keep up with the increased pace of the course. Please understand that strong academic achievement is expected in these classes. Also consider carefully the workload for advanced pathway courses within the context of the student’s entire schedule.

· Math Advanced Pathway Courses are designed to include the standards and material from grades 6, 7, 8, and Algebra 1. This sequence of math courses can appeal to those students who have already shown a strong aptitude in mathematics, as well as those students who have an interest and enthusiasm for math and/or math-related subjects.

· English Advanced Pathway Courses will allow students to advance their learning of the standards at a grade level above their current grade with instructional materials that are a grade above, including more complex, challenging reading texts. Students who have already shown a strong aptitude in reading and writing, as well as those students who have an interest and enthusiasm for the study of English, will be interested in these courses.

Registering for Courses for 2020-21:

Please be sure to discuss the best placement for next year with your child’s teacher and attend the informational meeting scheduled at ________ on __________ at ____________. Then, complete the registration form. Your signature on your student’s registration form indicates that you:

· Have carefully considered the characteristics for student success in advanced pathways courses, the course design of these courses, and the higher level of academic demand and commitment required for the advanced pathway English and/or math courses

· Know that your child will be committing to participate at an accelerated pace with minimal practice, to keep up with increased homework and study expectations, and to invest the extra time outside of school needed in order to keep up with the increased pace of the course

· Understand that students in advanced pathway courses must maintain standard/above standard performance in these classes

· Understand that once students are placed in advanced pathway courses, they will not be allowed to transfer out without a parent/student/teacher/administrator conference

We look forward to having your child and your family join the __________ Middle School community! Please let us know how we can support you and your child further to ensure your child’s success in his/her courses next year.