Teaching
and Learning

Middle School Honors Block

The honors block for accelerated seventh and eighth grade students is a block of language arts and social studies within the middle-school structure. This classroom offers a rigorous academic curriculum while meeting the specific affective needs of adolescents. Students receive instruction and guidance in study, research, and application of learning; critical and creative thinking skills; and goal setting. Core curriculum is modified and accelerated to allow in-depth explorations in core discipline areas to encourage student autonomy and self-direction. Criteria for entrance into honors courses at the middle school are explained in separate brochures available during forecasting or from a school counselor.

EXCEL

Within core learning blocks, opportunities exist for highly capable students in grades seven and eight to participate in special learning projects that emphasize talent development across several disciplines. An EXCEL teacher coordinates these projects, and resources or guests from outside the school are often used. Usually students tackle real world problems or focus on developing usable products. Flexible groupings of students may work on different projects depending on student interests, aptitudes, etc. Formal identification is not a prerequisite for this program.