Secondary Level

Advanced Classes at the secondary level are available in Math, Science, Social Science, and Language Arts. Students meeting advanced/accelerated course criteria are invited to participate in these challenging classes.  The College Board’s Springboard curriculum has been adopted to ensure the rigor, best practice processes and products/assessments deemed necessary for success in rigorous high school or college programs.  Academic Contests and special events augment advanced classes at the secondary level. 

Students electing advanced classes at the secondary should be self-motivated, willing to work at a faster pace, participate actively in class, produce quality work consistently, complete nightly homework and long-term projects, and demonstrate a strong desire to be challenged by the breadth & depth of course content. Maximum daily homework guidelines for advanced courses are 60 minutes for 6th graders, 70 for 7th graders and 80 for 8th graders. 

Advanced classes at the secondary level are designed to meet the needs of high-ability learners who meet the criteria for participation.  The content and standards in an advanced class are accelerated by one to two grade levels, the pace of learning is faster, the level of critical thinking and problem-solving is extensive, the students are expected to take on greater responsibility for their learning and the quality of their work products, assignments and assessments will exceed typical grade-level expectations. 

What Makes an Advanced Section Different?  What can you Expect?

  • Increased depth

  • Accelerated Content

  • Sophisticated/Complex Products

  • Learning the Language, Ethics, Trends and Multiple Perspectives of the Disciplines

  • Socratic Seminars relative to current topics

  • Springboard/TCI/FOSS/Pearson Curriculum is implemented with fidelity

  • Exams/Unit Assessments prepare learners for future AP examinations

  • Essential Questions frame instruction

  • Standards expected are one to two years beyond grade level

  • Students have opportunities for regular Voice and Choice in their learning as they co-create experiences and assessments focused on the academic standards

  • Students taking Advanced Classes in Middle School can accrue six + High School credits in Middle School making it easier for them to take advantage of the AP/Dual Credit Program and the Early College program at HSD High School.

All 8th Grade Advanced Classes, Algebra, Algebra 2, and Geometry are counted as HS weighted credits.

Students in advanced sections are still expected to take four years of core subject areas while in HS.  

Criteria for Participation:

  • Students will need to meet three of the four criteria listed for each course.  Their eligibility will be determined yearly. 

Math  

  • 90%+ average for current school work in Math- A or B+ grade & a teacher recommendation

  • Smarter Balance score in Math is rated a 4 or advanced

  • MAP scores at or above the 85%   

  • TAG placement- student has been identified as Gifted and Talented 

Reading & Language Arts

  • 90%+ average for current schoolwork in both Reading & Language Arts- A or B+ grade & a teacher recommendation 

  • Smarter Balance score in Reading is rated a 4 or advanced

  • MAP scores at or above 85% 

  • TAG placement- student has been identified as Gifted/Talented

Science

  • 90%+ average for current schoolwork in Science- A or B+ grade & a teacher recommendation 

  • Science Process Placement Score or MAPS Science assessment is 85% +

  • TAG placement- student has been identified as Gifted and Talented

  • MAPS Math scores are over 85%

Social Studies

  • 90%+ average for current schoolwork in Social Studies- A or B+ grade & a teacher recommendation 

  • Placement Score on Social Studies assessment meets cut-off of 85%

  • TAG placement- student has been identified as Gifted and Talented

  • Smarter Balance score in Reading is rated a 4 or advanced MAP scores over 85%