Alexander Graham Middle School
Talent Development Update
News and Updates
Spring has sprung! We are quickly moving through the school year, with only 28 school days until Spring Break. The students are working hard in math and literacy, and their hard work is paying off. In reading, TD certified students grew an average of 2.14 points in MAP from Fall to Winter. In math, the growth average was 4.01 points on average. Students often show a dip in MAP scores from Fall to Winter, so we can see that our teachers and students have been focused and learning through the whole first semester.
ELA in the Second Semester
The MIdwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
A wonderful novel used in the fourth quarter to teach students both elements of fiction and how to self-regulate their reading, through student led literature circles. Students also are reading nonfiction text to learn informational literacy skills this quarter.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
One of several books students are reading as they discuss author's craft and persuasion. This culminates in an essay and speech to share their ideas.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
After the amazing speeches students wrote and gave in February, they move to persuasive arguments and informational text, studying A Letter from Birmingham Jail. In the fourth quarter they read Shakespeare, and then perform dramatic interpretations of the scenes.
A Note about End of Year Testing
This year, all EOG and NCFE exams will be given through a secure, online testing system. Students will not receive pen and paper test booklets, nor will they "bubble"' their answers. These changes are beginning at the middle school level. Teachers have been working with students to learn and practice the types of test taking skills they need for these types of assessments. Lots of activities on Canvas, Google Classroom and Schoolnet are ways that teachers can teach these skills in the context of their units, without "teaching" test taking. Please talk to your child about the strategies they are using, and encourage them to use them as they complete their assignments.
Math in the Second Semester
Sixth Grade Math
Sixth graders continue to focus heavily on equations and expressions, using algebra to solve problems. As the year continues, they will move towards geometry and statistics. They will also work with ratios and proportions.
Seventh Grade Math
Seventh grade has begun statistics and probability. They are moving to geometry and continually review content from the first semester.
Eighth Grade Math
The Math I class is starting polynomials. This unit covers It covers adding, subtracting, multiplying and factoring polynomials. All students in the Math I/II class did very well on the Math I EOC.
Enrichment Opportunities
Duke TIP
Duke offers a variety of eLearning, distance learning, residential summer camps and independent studies for gifted students. Learn more: https://goo.gl/orDysf
Comprehensive listing of local summer opportunities: http://charlottesummercamps.com/