Your school provides this course curriculum guide as a means of assisting students and parents in understanding and planning their course of study. Students are encouraged to carefully select related arts courses during the registration process. Your school's guidance counselors and teachers stand ready to assist them. Parents are invited and encouraged to actively participate by assisting their student.
Related arts classes are scheduled based upon student requests. However, due to schedule conflicts and changes in course offerings, the staff cannot guarantee that students will be scheduled for all courses they request. In addition, be aware that the school builds a master schedule and employs teachers based on students' requests; therefore, schedule changes will only be considered on a very limited basis.
Online Registration was implemented in 2004. It allows parents and students to request related arts courses for the next school year from home via the Internet. Families who do not have access to the Internet will be given opportunities to use school computers to register online. Parents and students should understand that requesting a related arts course through online registration does not guarantee that the student is placed in the course the next school year. Final placement in a course is dependent upon enrollment, scheduling feasibility, and teacher allocation. Schools will post the courses that they will be offering the next school year in a course curriculum guide which will be located on the school's website. Parents without Internet access at home will receive a printed copy of the course curriculum guide by request. The window for students to select related arts courses online is posted by the school on the school's website and in parent newsletters. Schools will provide instructions on accessing the online registration tool.
The South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) requires school districts to develop a curriculum organized around the career cluster system–16 career clusters, schools of study, and majors. In the organization of the district curriculum around the career cluster system, Greenville County Schools divided the 16 career clusters into five schools of study. These five schools of study include School of Arts, Media, & Communication; School of Business, Marketing & Information Systems; School of Engineering, Manufacturing & Environmental Sciences; School of Health Science; and School of Public and Human Services. Under each school of study a student will find related career clusters. The career clusters are then broken down into academic focus areas (majors) that students may choose based on interests and skills.
Personal Pathways to Success is the name given to this reorganization of the curriculum which is designed to help students take control of planning for their futures. Personal Pathways to Success provides the solid mix of academic and technical skills students need to compete in the global economy. It gives students a reason to achieve in school by connecting success in school with success in life. It maintains South Carolina's core academic requirements while opening up pathways to success for students no matter where they lead – to two-year colleges, four-year colleges or universities, the military, or directly into the workforce. Students, parents, and counselors work together to develop Individual Graduation Plans (IGP) that specify a student's cluster, academic focus (major), post-secondary goals, planned high school activities, and planned out-of-class activities. The Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) is a document that states the student's intentions related to courses that are taken during high school. The IGP is initiated in the 8th grade with the choice of a cluster area. When the IGP is updated in the 10th grade, the student will select an academic focus (major) within their cluster of choice. The courses that are taken are determined by the student's interests. It can be modified over time as interests and skills develop or change. The IGP is like a road map to the future: if the student stays on course, the student will reach the destination – graduation – with all the courses, skills and experience needed to take his education or career to the next level. Each year the student, parents/guardians, and counselors will review and update the plans for the coming year. Switching clusters or majors is okay -- as the high school years progress and the student learns more about his interests and skills there are bound to be changes in choice of coursework. It is just as important for a student to learn what he doesn't like as it is for him to learn what he does like. Just remember: This is a road map to the future.
The following link provides more information on Personal Pathways to Success: http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/district/schools/eeda/index.asp
SELECTING RELATED ARTS/ELECTIVE COURSES
Welcome to Berea Middle School! We are excited about the coming year and look forward to your being a part of our Bulldog family.
Our students take four academic courses and two related arts (electives) each semester. Every student must take one semester of Physical Education/Health. Students must register for three additional electives and two alternates, unless they are taking a year-long elective.
Band, Chorus, Strings 7 (7th grade only), and Spanish 1 (8th grade only and teacher recommendation only) are courses students take for the entire year. Students taking one of these courses will take that course for the year, PE, and one other semester-long related arts class. When registering, students taking Band, Chorus, Strings 7, or Spanish 1 should only select that course, one other semester-long elective, and two alternates. Students taking Band, Chorus, or Strings 7 should not select Music as an elective or alternate. Students who successfully complete Spanish 1 will receive one (1) credit for high school.
Seventh graders should not select both Keyboarding C and Careers 7. They may select one of these as their primary choice and the other as an alternate choice. Seventh and eighth graders who successfully complete Keyboarding C will receive .5 credit for high school.
ESL class and Resource/Tutorial class each count as a year-long elective. These classes will be assigned by the teacher/counselor. Students assigned to one of these courses will take that course for the year, PE, and one other semester-long elective during the year. When registering, students taking ESL or Resource/Tutorial need only to select one semester-long elective and two alternates.
Students who enroll in Christian Release Time will participate in this activity once a week during of one of their elective classes.
Guidance Office Contact Information
Katherine Christie, Counselor
355-1704
Lynn Edwards, Counselor
355-1706
Nita Donald, CDF
355-2784
Dawn Williams, Clerk
355-1711
|
English
|
|
Title:
English Studies 7
20013100
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Students should meet one or more of the following criteria: Teacher recommendation; PASS score of Met in 5th grade; 6th grade MAP RIT scores of 217 - 240
This course is designed to meet the needs of those students whose reading and language arts skills are sufficient to allow them to read more difficult texts, analyze what they have read more deeply, and respond without difficulty to the text in writing. The students in this course do not require foundational instruction in reading strategies; however, they will continue to receive instruction in more sophisticated reading practices that prepare the student for literary analysis. All writing instruction, vocabulary development, and research opportunities will be in response to a text read. Students can expect instruction to move at an accelerated pace.
|
|
Title:
English GT 7
20013200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Identified as GTA (Gifted and Talented Academic)and a MAP RIT score >240
This course is designed to meet the needs of academically gifted and talented students who were identified through the standard measures implemented by The School District of Greenville County. The curriculum designed specifically for this course meets the guidelines set forth by the South Carolina State Department of Education as criteria for Gifted and Talented instruction. Students should expect to find the curriculum challenging in a number of ways: text complexity, analytical writing, problem solving, creative endeavors, and accelerated pace.
|
|
Title:
English Studies 8
20013800
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Students should meet one or more of the following criteria: Teacher recommendation; PASS score of Met in 6th grade; 7th grade MAP RIT scores of 220 - 244
This course is designed to meet the needs of those students whose reading and language arts skills are sufficient to allow them to read more difficult texts, analyze what they have read more deeply, and respond without difficulty to the text in writing. The students in this course do not require foundational instruction in reading strategies; however, they will continue to receive instruction in more sophisticated reading practices that prepare the student for literary analysis. All writing instruction, vocabulary development, and research opportunities will be in response to a text read. Students can expect instruction to move at an accelerated pace.
|
|
Title:
English GT 8
20013900
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Identified as GTA (Gifted and Talented Academic)and a MAP RIT score >244
This course is designed to meet the needs of academically gifted and talented students who were identified through the standard measures implemented by The School District of Greenville County. The curriculum designed specifically for this course meets the guidelines set forth by the South Carolina State Department of Education as criteria for Gifted and Talented instruction. Students should expect to find the curriculum challenging in a number of ways: text complexity, analytical writing, problem solving, creative endeavors, and accelerated pace.
|
|
Title:
Eng 1H:Genre Analysis
301116HW
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
1.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Students identified as GTA automatically qualify. Students who are not identified as GTA must meet the following five criteria: PASS scores of Exemplary in 6th grade or 7th grade; MAP RIT score of 240 or above in Reading; High level of performance in reading and writing skills; Ability to think critically and demonstrated enthusiasm for language arts; Teacher recommendation
This is an honors-level high school course for academically gifted eighth grade students who have the ability to pursue an accelerated English program. These students are taking a high school level course in preparation for Advanced Placement English (college level courses) in their junior and senior years; therefore, the coursework will reflect more rigor than other middle school English courses. Literary study includes all genres, and students will be required to read extensively from texts with a wide range of complexity. Students in English 1 Honors will be expected to exhibit critical thinking skills when analyzing what they have read. Nonfiction readings will incude literary criticism as well as political essays, memoirs, and historical texts. Composition skills of those entering the course must exceed mere proficiency and should exhibit the student's understanding of voice, style, and purpose. Grammar and usage skills will be reviewed through mini-lessons preceding each writing assessment. Students should expect major essay assignments on a frequent basis and for writing skills to constitute a large percentage of the final grade. The rigor of this course will fully prepare students for the EOC testing in English 1 and all future Honors or AP English courses. Note: This course earns high school credit and carries Honors GPA weighting.
|
|
Math
|
|
Title:
Math 7
21100500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Math 6
The emphasis in this standards-based seventh-grade course is on algebraic thinking and on extending the understanding of the real number system to include integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers. Students will investigate applications of number theory and will acquire skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers. Students will solve applied problems by using one-step equations and inequalities, percents, and proportional reasoning. Students will develop algebraic thinking by analyzing patterns to discover relationships, by representing information through symbolic, graphical, and tabular methods, and by identifying relationships that are linear. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
|
|
Title:
Math 8
21100700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Math 7
This standards-based eighth grade course places strong emphasis on applications of the mathematical concepts and skills related to decimals, fractions, percents, and integers to solving a variety of real-world problems. In addition, students will extend their understanding of the concepts proportion and measurement and apply this knowledge in problem-solving situations. Students will further develop their algebraic thinking by investigating the merits and limitations of graphical, symbolic, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
|
|
Title:
Math 7/8
21102000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Must meet district criteria including Teacher recommendation
This standards-based course places strong emphasis on applications of the mathematical concepts and skills related to decimals, fractions, percents, integers, rational and irrational numbers to solving a variety of real-world problems. In addition, students will extend their understanding of the concepts proportion and measurement and apply this knowledge in problem-solving situations. Students will further develop their algebraic thinking by investigating the merits and limitations of graphical, symbolic, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
|
|
Title:
Algebra 1 H
411103HW
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
1.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7-10
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Math teacher recommendation
This honors-level course will be a more extensive study of the algebraic concepts traditionally covered in Algebra 1. It is an intense program that includes all topics taught in Algebra 1 as well as additional enrichment topics. Students in this course must take a state-mandated end-of-course test as the final exam, and it will count as 20% of the final grade.
|
|
Science
|
|
Title:
Science 7
22211300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of previous grade or science course
The focus of science in seventh grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Cells and Heredity-structure and function of cells and heredity; Human Systems and Disease-functions and interconnections within the human body and breakdown of these functions due to disease; Ecology-the Biotic and Abiotic Environment-interactions and responses between biotic and abiotic components and organisms; and Chemical Nature of Matter-classifications, properties and changes in matter.
|
|
Title:
Science 8
22513500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of previous grade or science course
The focus for science in eighth grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Earth's Biologic History-Earth's biologic diversity over time; Structure and Process in Earth System-materials and processes that alter the structure of Earth; Astronomy-characteristics, structure, and motions of celestial bodies in the universe; Forces and Motion-effects of forces on the motion of an object; and, Waves-properties and behaviors of waves.
|
|
Social Studies
|
|
Title:
Social Studies 7
23101300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of previous grade or course
Seventh grade social studies continues the study of world cultures with a focus on the changes that have occurred in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from 1600 to the present. Students examine the history, geography, and continuing changes in political and economic ideas that have shaped the world in which we live today. Students also address the growing interaction among societies developing concurrently during this period, including the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. Instruction should emphasize the elements of social studies literacy—the tools, strategies, and perspectives necessary for understanding how history, geography, economics and government are interwoven.
|
|
Title:
SC/US History 8
23203500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of previous grade or course
Eighth grade social studies focuses on the story of the history of South Carolina and the role that the state and its people have played in the development of the United States as a nation. Students learn about the state’s development during colonial times and the growth of the American ideal which led to the break with England, the rising controversy about slavery, and the Civil War. The study of the rebuilding of South Carolina after the Civil War and the continuing struggle for civil rights and justice waged by the people of South Carolina allows students to see the progress that the state has made and to appreciate the contributions that its people have made to the nation as a whole. Students also learn about the major political, economic, and social changes in South Carolina through the twentieth century and to the present in the context of national and worldwide events. Instruction should emphasize the elements of social studies literacy—the tools, strategies, and perspectives necessary for understanding how history, geography, economics and government are interwoven in our state’s history.
|
|
Arts
|
|
Title:
Art 7-1
25011600
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Students will develop creative-thinking and problem-solving skills as they observe the world around them. They will explore and produce artwork including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, arts, and crafts. A study of artists and their work will help students understand the techniques, skills, and diverse intentions of artists from many cultures and times.
|
|
Title:
Art 8-1
25014100
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Students will refine their ability to communicate visually, manage a wide range of tools and materials, and achieve quality, style, and craftsmanship in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and crafts. Students will have opportunities for evaluating and critiquing their own and other students’ artwork as wall as studying artists and analyzing their work.
|
|
Title:
Band 7
25311300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Band 6 or permission of instructor
This course is a continuation of Band 6 for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Intermediate-level middle school literature will be studied. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and band techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
|
|
Title:
Band 8
25313500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Band 7 or permission of instructor
This course is a continuation of Band 7 for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Advanced-level middle school literature will be studied. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and band techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
|
|
Title:
Chorus 7-1
25413800
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
The purpose of this course is to enable students to continue to develop the fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness learned in Chorus 6, through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus 7 includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of the musical concepts.
|
|
Title:
Chorus 8-1
25414400
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
The purpose of this course is to enable students to continue to develop the fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness learned in Chorus 7, through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus 8 includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of the musical concepts.
|
|
Title:
Strings 7
25511300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Strings 6 or permission of instructor
This course is a continuation of Strings 6 for violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Intermediate-level middle school literature will be studied. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and strings techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
|
|
Title:
Music 7
25611300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This is a course providing students with the opportunity to explore musical concepts and further their understanding of music through listening, singing, playing instruments, and engaging in creative activities.
|
|
Title:
Music 8
25613500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This is a course providing students with the opportunity to explore musical concepts and further their understanding of music through listening, singing, playing instruments, and engaging in creative activities.
|
|
Foreign Language
|
|
Title:
Spanish 7 Beginner Level
26501300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Aligned with the district's vision, philosophy, and goals for world language education, this beginner course introduces students to the second language through high-quality learning experiences. Not only do students gain an understanding of what it means to learn a new language, they also experience progress over time and are likely to be motivated to continue language study. Students learn enough language to ensure that they will not be total beginners when they take another course in the same language. The goal of this course is to develop some language competence.
|
|
Title:
Spanish 8 Beginner Level
26503500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Aligned with the district's vision, philosophy, and goals for world language education, this beginner course introduces students to the second language through high-quality learning experiences. Not only do students gain an understanding of what it means to learn a new language, they also experience progress over time and are likely to be motivated to continue language study. Students learn enough language to ensure that they will not be total beginners when they take another course in the same language. The goal of this course is to develop some language competence.
|
|
Title:
Spanish 1 CP
365107CW
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
1.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8-10
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course focuses on meaningful communication and language as it is used in real-world situations that students are most likely to encounter. Students will first begin to develop aural and oral skills, then read and write what they can say—familiar words, commands, phrases, short sentences, and basic questions. They will learn to use predictable language in familiar settings. They will begin to develop cultural awareness and the ability to recognize the products, practices, and perspectives of the culture they study. Students will also develop insights into their own language through linguistic and cultural comparisons with the foreign language and culture they study and use the language to expand their knowledge in all content areas.
|
|
Physical Education
|
|
Title:
PE / Health 7
24403700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Enrollment in this course fulfills the regulation that all students will complete one quarter of physical education each year in grades 6 – 8 and all students will complete one quarter of health each year in grades 6 - 8. The content of the course will consist of both health and PE standards-based instruction.
|
|
Title:
PE / Health 8
24403900
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Enrollment in this course fulfills the regulation that all students will complete one quarter of physical education each year in grades 6 – 8 and all students will complete one quarter of health each year in grades 6 - 8. The content of the course will consist of both health and PE standards-based instruction.
|
|
Career and Tech
|
|
Title:
CareerEducation7
28301300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course introduces the students to the careers that are available to them after their education. Students are given a chance to research and explore various careers as well as learn about the skills that are needed for a particular occupation. During this time, the students are also introduced to the career clusters that are used in the district.
|
|
Title:
Family&Consumer7
28581300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course provides an opportunity for students to explore self image, consumer issues, environmental concerns, positive approaches to child development, clothing care, nutritional choices, food preparation, and skills for successful employment.
|
|
Title:
Family&Consumer8
28583500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course focuses on the changes and challenges faced by young teens today. Topics include family relationships, goal setting, money management, home repairs, early childhood development, textile products, eating disorders and careers.
|
|
Title:
Keyboarding
510002CH
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.50
Duration:
Grade Level:
7-12
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to master the skill of entering alphabetic, numeric, and symbolic information on a keyboard and a ten-key pad using the touch method of keystroking. Emphasis is placed on development of accuracy and speed, proper techniques, and correct fingering. Formatting of basic documents will be introduced.
|