- Clippert
- Overview
Our Academics & Electives
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We draw upon the expertise of our educators and work together to create models of outstanding achievement in every classroom. Through implementing high-quality instructional materials and transforming the academic culture in our schools, we challenge and inspire our students to thrive in the world. With a wide variety of academics and enrichment opportunities aligned with state standards, we support students in unlocking their potential as they extend their skills and talents beyond the classroom. Our core curriculum includes:
- Bilingual Education - We are committed to English Language Development for students beginning in early childhood by implementing English literacy instructional frameworks that prepare families to become independent readers and writers in English.
- English Language Arts - We are committed to nurturing and developing a strong literacy foundation for all students in the early school years by implementing literacy instructional frameworks that prepare students to become independent readers and writers.
- Math - The mathematics curriculum seeks to ensure mathematical competence and confidence in students in mathematics-rich classroom environments.
- Science - Classroom experiences in science are connected to real-world phenomena and provide opportunities to engage in science and engineering practices through exposure to STEM-related career pathways.
- Social Studies - Students gain the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and core democratic values necessary for fulling their civic duties in a participatory democracy and effectively engaging in our global society.
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English Language Arts
In middle school ELA students are exposed to high level complex texts, preparing them for rigorous high school learning. Through their readings, students learn life lessons about integrity, perseverance, courage, justice, and liberty. Students will learn about engaging historical and fictional characters who navigate triumph and tragedy, modeling for students how to navigate the nuanced world in which they live. Throughout the sixth-eighth grade courses students will read and analyze complex texts, write, discuss, and collaborate to sharpen students’ communication skills.Mathematics
With the Eureka/Great Minds mathematics curriculum students work to build a conceptual understanding of math. Rather than focusing on memorization, students understand why the problems, steps, and solutions make sense. They learn how and when to engage alternate strategies for solving real-world mathematical equations when they are more efficient. Students use a variety of instructional techniques, videos, applications, and adaptive programs like iReady to develop their mathematical skills and fluency.Science
Students learn middle-level science concepts through Investigating and Questioning our World through Science and Technology (IQWST) curriculum. Over the course of the school year students investigate physical science, chemistry, life science, and earth science by examining a driving question. An example that sixth graders will explore is “Can I believe my eyes?”. Students drive this instruction by conducting experiments, working on projects, and engaging in reading and writing activities.Social Studies
Social Studies instruction is provided by using the Savvas curriculum and the DBQ Project. Students begin with World Geography in sixth grade, progress to World History, and US History by the time they reach the eighth grade. In each level of social studies instruction students will explore essential geographic, historical, economic, and civic concepts. Each quarter students examine a DBQ, or document-based question, that is relevant to the current unit of study. These questions could include “Is gentrification good for Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside?”, “How did the Nile shape Ancient Egypt?”, or “How does the Constitution guard against tyranny?”. Students use primary and secondary source documents to find evidence to complete these inquiries. -
Physical Education & Health
The Office of Physical Education & Health Education offers several developmental and physical fitness opportunities to promote growth in the physical, mental, social, and emotional health of every student. With a focus on skills-based instruction, we emphasize supporting the whole child, so students develop into self-directed, self-reliant individuals.
Art
Art courses provide students with activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities may include those that enable students to refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities.