W. Va. Code R. § 126-42-5

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-42-5 - Middle School Programming

5.1. Foundations for High Quality Developmentally Appropriate Middle School Programming (Grades 6-8).

5.1.a. Middle School Programming builds on the results of Pre-K through Grade 5 programming and transitions students into the high school program. Successful middle school programs are characterized by a culture that is inviting, inclusive, and supportive of all. Significant academic learning experiences are the norm and are characterized by rigorous content, vigorous instruction, and high expectations for all learners within a developmentally appropriate, safe, and supportive school. The middle school experience is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and relevant. Middle school educators use multiple learning and teaching approaches resulting in authentic engagement in active, purposeful learning. Students learn to understand important concepts, develop essential skills, and apply what they learn to real-world problems. The environment and culture of middle school should lead to every student having meaningful supportive relationships with at least one trusted adult advocate who is familiar with the student's academic development and personal goals. Such a learning community of both adults and students produces a stable and mutually respectful relationship that supports students' personal, intellectual, ethical, and social growth.

Chart IV: Grades 6-S Standards-focused Instruction
Middle school programs of study shall be taught by a team of qualified teachers. A diverse set of developmentally appropriate instructional strategies will scaffold students to mastery of the grade level content standards. The principal and a team of teachers will determine an adequate amount of time necessary to achieve mastery of the approved content standards for each course to effectively address the academic needs of all students in numeracy and the literacy skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language in all content areas.
Content Areas	Required Courses for each Grade Level	Additional Information and Related WVBE Policies
English Language Arts (ELA)	ELA 6 ELA 7 ELA 8 or ELA 6 and Readings ELA 7 and Reading 7 ELA 8 and Reading 8	To address literacy needs counties may choose to utilize a separate course code for reading in addition to the required ELA course. English Language Arts (Policy 2520.1A)
Mathematics	Math 6 Math 7 Maths	Math 8 Substitutions: High School Algebra 1 for 8th Graders High School Math 1 for 8th Graders Mathematics (Policy 2520.2B)
Science	Science 6 Science 7 Science 8	Science (Policy 2520.3C)
Social Studies	Social Studies 6 Social Studies 7 WV Studies 8	Social Studies (Policy 2520.4)
Career Exploration Note: Counties will implement a comprehensive Career Exploration middle school experience. This experience may include but it is not limited to Career Technical Education (CTE) Exploratory Courses, stand-alone Career Exploration Courses, and mini courses (e.g.. Home Economics, Home Repair, Robotics, etc.), field trips, guest speakers, and career mentors.	Embedded Career Exploration 6-8 or Career Exploration 6 Career Exploration 7 Career Exploration 8 or Future Careers 6-8 Regional Careers 6-8 Discover Your Future 6-8 or Career Exploration 6-8	In accordance with W. Va. Code § 18-9D-19a, comprehensive middle schools must provide learning opportunities where students are provided: a comprehensive curriculum with embedded career exploration and project-based career activities; career development and counseling; and learning and life connection experiences for all students. All students will receive structured, on-going experiences for career awareness, exploration, decision-making, instructional Career and Technical Education (CTE) practices and career preparation exposing students to all 16 career clusters. Career development must include career exploration, entrepreneurial experiences, and/or Simulated Workplace learning for all students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. Students must document a personalized career portfolio that is transportable throughout the student's middle and high school career. Students may utilize career exploration, the Lexile® Career Database, CTE Exploratory Courses, Career Cruising®, and multiple learning activities to guide education and career planning.
Computer Science Note: Integrated Technology and Computer Science will be delivered within all content areas	Integrated Technology and Computer Science 6-8 Discovering Computer Science or a county-created computer science course	Students will be provided regular opportunities within the context of other coursework to master the 6-8 technology and computer science standards. Students will be provided sufficient opportunities in digital literacy, computer science, and technology skills to meet the 6-8 standards by the end of Grade 8. Technology and Computer Science (Policy 2520.14)
Music	Music 6-8 or Music 6 Music 7 Musics	Grade-band and/or individual courses for Grades 6-8 in general music, choral, and instrumental music (band or orchestra) will be offered to all students during the middle school experience. Chorus or instrumental music may be substituted for a general music course at each grade level. The Arts (Music and Visual Art) (Policy 2520.9)
Visuai Art	Visual Art 6-8 or Visual Art 6 Visual Art 7 Visual Art 8	Grade-band or individual courses for Grades 6-8 in visual art will be offered to all students during the middle school experience. The Arts (Music and Visual Art) (Policy 2520.9)
Weiiness Education Note: Schools not having the number of certified physical teachers or required physical setting may develop alternate programs that will enable current staff and physical settings to be used to meet the physical education requirements. Alternate programs shall be submitted to the WVDE for approval.	Wellness Education 6 or PE 6 and Health 6 Wellness Education 7 or PE 7 and Health 7 Wellness Education 8 or PE8and Health 8	Wellness Education: Includes both physical education and health standards that must be taught each year in Grades 6-8. Physical education, including physical exercise and age-appropriate physical activities, must be provided the equivalent of at least one full period of each school day of one semester of the school year (W. Va. Code § 18-2-7a). At least 50 percent of class time for physical education will be spent in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. Physical Activity: Opportunities will be provided for an additional 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous integrated physical activity daily to keep students physically active throughout the school year. Wellness Education (Policy 2520.5)
World Languages		A course in the same World Language is required to be offered for students in Grade 7 and Grade 8. Offering a World Language course in Grade G is encouraged. Counties may offer a high school credit-bearing World Language course in place of World Language in Grade 7 and Grade 8. World Languages (Policy 2520.7)
Social and Emotional Advisory System for Student Success		Through a Comprehensive School Counseling Program, middle schools will implement a continuous advisory system that provides students with meaningful supportive relationships and maximizes each student's personalized learning experience. The advisory system will be evidence- and standards-based to systemically address Policy 2520.19 and include the development of each student's Personalized Education Plan (PEP) (see Appendix D), career portfolio, social emotional, and other skills that enhance school success, and build competent, engaged citizens. K - 12 Student Success Standards (Policy 2520.19)

W. Va. Code R. § 126-42-5