ELA and Social Studies are taught by the same teacher and frequently during a long block of instruction. There are regular cross-curricular connections and fluid movement between the two subjects. ELA curriculum includes novel studies, reading groups, and a writer’s workshop. Social Studies curriculum includes ancient civilizations (sixth grade), ancient civilizations (seventh grade), U.S. history (eighth grade).
McAuliffe offers a math course that can meet the needs of your scholar. Math is the only core content area where scholars are grouped by ability. Most students are scheduled to take an on-level math course that aligns with the grade-level MA Curriculum Frameworks for Mathematics. Other scholars may be scheduled to take an accelerated math course, where admission to the class is determined by a diagnostic placement test. As needed, a small group of scholars may take a substantially separate math class that is taught by a special educator.
Substantially Separate Math, is a course for scholars who require math instruction in a small group setting by a special educator. A scholar’s IEP team determines whether a scholar will be placed into this course. We recommend at least three scholars comprise the class in order for the class to exist. Otherwise, a scholar is likely recommended for a co-taught on level inclusion class. Read More…
Curriculum is organized into teacher-created units based on the MA NGSS frameworks. Teachers incorporate labs, simulations, games, writing assignments, projects, and a wide variety of other learning activities into the lessons. There is also a focus on non-fiction and informational text with writing aligned with the Common Core standards.
The overarching themes in science are as follows:
- 6th grade: Light & Matter, Sound Waves, Human Body, Physics, Plate Tectonics, and Space
- 7th grade: Contact Forces, Thermal Energy, Earth’s Resources and Human Impact, Ecosystems, and Climate Change
- 8th grade: Chemistry, Genetics, Evolution, Weather & Climate and Metabolic Reactions
Goals Block is a 45-minute intervention and extension block that occurs two times per week. Scholars are placed in Goals Block based on NWEA assessment data, progress toward learning targets in their core courses, and teacher recommendations. Those with demonstrated gaps in reading, writing, math, or who have a social skills requirement in their IEPs work in small group settings using a range of in-person and online intervention strategies. Those scholars who are at or above grade level participate in an extension goals block where they explore a topic in-depth with a teacher.
For any questions about Goals Block, you can contact Nellie Zupancic.