Teaching
and Learning

Unique Programs at the Middle School Level

Although Camas schools are recognized most often for their strong “basic skills” program, other offerings help define the unique Camas middle school experience. A few include:

Exit Requirements: In the early 90’s, Camas was one of the first districts to implement specific standards or “exit requirements” for all students. These requirements are specific to grade levels and subjects. Students must complete several “demonstration tasks” that allow them to exhibit their skills and performance levels in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, etc. Students are expected to meet the “proficient” level on all exit requirements beginning in the sixth grade. Opportunities to demonstrate “exemplary” performance also exist.

Leadership Class: Skyridge offers a unique leadership course elective open to students in grades 7-8. In this class, students engage in a wide variety of school pride and community service projects that allow them to refine leadership and organizational skills necessary for good citizenship.

Learning Blocks: As much as possible, students in grades 7 and 8 work with the same teacher for instruction in language arts and social studies. They also stay with their same cohort student group for most of their core classes. This helps ease the transition from the “home room” routine found in the elementary program. This format also makes it easier for students to form bonds with new friends and with teachers.

“No-Cut” Athletics: In order to encourage the broadest possible participation in extracurricular athletics, Camas strives toward a goal of a “no-cut” philosophy at the middle school level. Interested girls and boys may participate in a wide variety of fall, winter and spring sports. Interscholastic competition with neighboring districts and schools is a part of all these programs.

EXCEL: Within its core learning blocks, opportunities exist for highly capable students, grades 7 and 8, 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.

Opportunities for Advanced Course Work: Students who meet placement criteria can take honors-level course work in both language arts and social studies at the seventh and eighth grade. Both the pace and content of these courses are more demanding than in other classes. Students may also be eligible for more advanced course work in mathematics beginning with pre-algebra or algebra in the seventh grade and progressing through other upper level offerings.