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:

Demonstration Tasks: 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 Opportunities: Both middle schools offer students unique opportunities to engage in a wide variety of school pride and community service projects.  These activities help adolescent students refine leadership and organizational skills necessary for good citizenship as well as future success in high school and beyond.

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.

Pre-Advanced Placement Offerings:   Over the past decade, the number of Advanced Placement courses at Camas High School as well as the numbers of students enrolled in these classes has increased dramatically.  The Camas School District also believes that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible. Addressed effectively, the middle and high school years can provide a powerful opportunity to help all students acquire the knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level of learning.  Camas teachers and administrators have attempted to design Pre-AP courses—focusing primarily on English and social studies content—that provide our 6th -8th grade students with these advanced skills.
Students who meet placement criteria can take Pre-AP/Highly Capable course work in both language arts and social studies at the sixth, 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.