Grade 7-8 Curriculum

If you have any questions or need a print copy of the standards, please contact Dr. Matt Hilderbrand for elementary or Dr. Julee Sauer for secondary information.

• Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• Computer Science and Technology K-12
• ELA Standards K-12
• Fine Arts (Dance)
• Fine Arts (Media Arts)
• Fine Arts (Music)
• Fine Arts (Theatre)
• Fine Arts (Visual Arts)
• Math Standards K-12
• Physical Education
• Science Standards K-12
• Social Studies Standards K-12
• World Languages

 

The Papillion La Vista Community Schools assessment program uses multiple measures in order to accurately determine what a student knows and is able to do. Some of these assessments are mandated by the State or Federal Government and others are locally determined.
The MAP test fulfills a state requirement as part of Nebraska accountability which requires us to administer a nationally normed assessment. It also serves as a valuable tool to understand how to respond to individual student learning needs, determine instructional groups, select appropriate materials, monitor progress, and differentiate instruction. In this document you will find additional information regarding the MAP test and how it will be used in the Papillion La Vista Community Schools.

What is NWEA MAP?
Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping all children learn. NWEA provides assessments called Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to improve teaching and learning.

What does a MAP assessment look like?
MAP assessments are computerized adaptive tests that measure your child’s instructional level in math, reading and language usage. When taking a MAP test, the difficultly of each question is based on how well a student answers all the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. In an optimal test, a student answers approximately half the items correctly and half incorrectly. The final score is a reliable estimate of the student’s achievement level. Although MAP is not timed, it usually takes students about 45-60 minutes to complete each assessment.

Who takes the MAP test?
Beginning with the 2018-19 year, students in grades K - 9 will take the MAP Assessment. MAP may also be used at other grade levels as an initial screener for High Ability Learner (HAL) identification and intervention monitoring.

When will students be assessed?
Students will take the assessment in the fall (September/October) and winter (January/February). If your student does not finish an assessment within the time-frame set aside for his or her class, the assessment may be paused and then resumed at a later date without penalty.

Do all students in the same grade take the exact same test?
No. MAP assessments are designed to target a student’s academic performance in mathematics, reading, and language usage. These tests are tailored to an individual’s current achievement level. This gives each student a fair opportunity to show what he or she knows and can do.

What are the benefits of the MAP assessment?
MAP assessments support Nebraska College and Career Readiness standards and also provide projections for other assessments such as the ACT. The results from MAP provide teachers with accurate and timely information to assist in their classroom instruction. Teachers may use the students instructional level information from a MAP assessment to monitor student learning and pinpoint areas for more specific and intense instruction as well as celebrate areas where significant growth has occurred.

What is a RIT score?
Once students have completed the MAP, they will receive their RIT score. Similar to measuring height on a yard-stick, the RIT scale is used to measure how “tall” a student is on the curriculum scale and scores can be compared to tell how much growth a student has made. The RIT score is one of the most important pieces of information on a student’s report. This score is independent of the age or grade of the student, and reflects the instructional level at which the student is currently performing.

When will I see how my child performed on the MAP?
Parents and students will receive a student performance report following each administration of the test.

Growth Over Time
We expect RIT scores to increase over time. Typically, younger students show more growth in one year than older students. Students who test above grade level often show less growth. Sometimes RIT scores may decline from one test to the next. One low test score is not cause for immediate concern. Like adults, students have good and bad days and their test results do not always indicate what they know and can do. Students' attitudes toward the test can also affect their score. Therefore, growth over time is a better measure of student learning. Our goal is to use the data to differentiate instruction, monitor student progress, and identify those students that could benefit from additional support and intervention so that all students in PLCS can master rigorous academic expectations.

The Lexile Framework for Reading
After completing the MAP, students will also learn their Lexile range. A Lexile range is a score that helps identify reading material that is at an appropriate difficulty level for an individual student. Reading materials are written at a set Lexile level. Knowing your child’s Lexile range will help you identify materials that match his or her reading level. Keep in mind that Lexile does not evaluate genre, theme, content, or interest. Even though a student might be able to read books at a certain Lexile, the content or theme of the text may not be appropriate for that particular student because of his or her age or developmental level. Also, a student may be able to read more difficult content if it is an area of interest for that child since he or she may already be familiar with some of the vocabulary necessary to comprehend the text.

Examples of Sample Books
Green Eggs and Ham, Lexile = 30
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Lexile = 940
Pride and Prejudice, Lexile = 1100
Charlotte’s Web, Lexile = 680

Commonly Used Terms
Here are some other terms you will hear and use as you are talking with teachers and your children about MAP.

District Average
The average RIT score for all students in PLCS in the same grade who were tested at the same time as your child.

Norm Group Average
The average score of students who were in the same grade and tested in the same term as observed in the latest NWEA norming study.

Percentile Range
Percentiles are used to compare one student’s performance to that of the norm group. Percentile means the student scored as well as, or better than, that percent of students taking the test in his/her grade. There is about a 68 percent chance that a student’s percentile ranking would fall within this range if the student tested again relatively soon.

Percentile Rank
This number indicates the percentage of students in the NWEA norm group for this grade that this student’s score equaled or exceeded.

ELA Silver and ELA Gold 7

Built from the 2021 Nebraska Department of Education Standards for English Language Arts, these two comprehensive courses provide students with an in-depth, rigorous, on-level experience.  In both courses, topics of teaching and learning will include the reading and analysis of complex prose, poetry, and informational texts from a variety of traditional; modern authors; writing development through a variety of modes and a recursive process; vocabulary development through the study of complex texts; and, speaking and listening development, both collaborative and individual.  Daily, in both courses, students can expect to read, analyze, and write. Regularly, students can expect to apply those skills while developing their vocabularies, participating in classroom & small group discussions, and by speaking individually to audiences of their teachers & peers. 

English 8 

Built from the 2021 Nebraska Department of Education Standards for English Language Arts, this comprehensive course provides students with an in-depth, rigorous, on-level experience. Topics of teaching and learning will include the reading and analysis of complex prose, poetry, and informational texts from a variety of traditional & modern authors; writing development through a variety of modes and a recursive process; vocabulary development through the study of complex texts; and, speaking and listening development, both collaborative and individual. Students can expect to read, analyze, and write daily. Students can expect to apply those skills while developing their vocabularies, participating in classroom & small group discussions, and by speaking individually to audiences of their teachers & peers on a regular basis.

Math 7

Math 7 – The content of this course includes rational and irrational numbers, integers, geometric and algebraic concepts, probability, and data analysis. This course is aligned with NE Grade 7 Math Standards.

Advanced Math 7 

Prerequisite: (mastery per district criterion) The content of this course includes an in-depth study of the concepts addressed in Math 7, plus preparation for Algebra I in 8th grade, which includes real numbers, geometric concepts and properties, and more in depth algebraic concepts. This course is aligned with NE Grade 7 and 8 Math Standards.

Math 8

The content of this course includes real numbers, geometric concepts and properties, algebraic concepts, data analysis and proportional reasoning. This course is aligned with NE Grade 8 Math Standards.

Algebra 1

Prerequisite: (mastery per district criterion) This course is designed to include an in-depth study of the concepts addressed in Math 8, plus Algebra I, which includes solving linear equations and inequalities, adding and subtracting polynomials, solving systems of equations and inequalities, spatial and logical reasoning and applications of geometric principles, proportional reasoning, direct and indirect variation, real numbers, data analysis and proportional reasoning.

Geometry

Prerequisite: (mastery per district criterion) This course will focus on the development of reasoning and problem solving skills, not necessarily mathematical in nature. Topics of study include the topics of geometry, however, geometry places an emphasis on algebra concepts including; writing equations of lines, solving systems of equations, solving advanced linear equations, and coordinate problems. For this reason, a strong background in algebra is highly recommended because connections between algebra and geometry are routinely made in this course.

Band 7 

Prerequisite: Open to any 7th grade student with at least one year of experience on a band instrument or by communication with the band director. 

Basic fundamentals of band musicianship are stressed primarily through method books and band music.  The band performs at least two concerts per year and may participate in band contests and festivals. Jazz Band opportunities may be available outside of the school day as an extracurricular.  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in solo and small ensemble performances. Please consult your band's handbook or speak with a director for more information.

Chorus 7  

Aligned to the most current Nebraska Standards for VIsual Arts and NAFME (National Association for Music Education) standards, Chorus 7 is a course developed to expand musical knowledge and skills for all students.  Topics studied will include the following: singing in parts, score navigation, listening and evaluating, basic composition, musical vocabulary, expressive elements, sight reading and rhythm reading.  Students will learn through direct instruction and authentic practice and implementation through the performance of newly acquired knowledge and skill.  Students will participate in several vocal music concerts throughout the year. The singers’ participation in performances are a major part of the learning targets and so participation at all performances is mandatory. Students also have an opportunity to audition for the Nebraska Honor Choir.

Band 8 

Prerequisite: One to two years of experience on a band instrument. At the beginning of 8th grade band, students are expected to be able to play their required major scales and chromatic scale, have basic sight-reading skills, and basic knowledge of musical terms. Students with no previous instrumental music training, but desiring to be in band, are required to take lessons on a band instrument prior to the school year in order to give them the basic knowledge and skill to be in band. Please contact the band director to schedule lessons or for help in finding a private instructor. 

The band performs at least two concerts per year and may participate in band contests and festivals. Jazz Band opportunities may be available outside of the school day as an extracurricular.  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in solo and small ensemble performances. Honor Bands are available by an audition or nomination-based process.  Please consult your band's handbook or speak with a director for more information.

Chorus 8

Chorus 8 is open to all students who enjoy singing. No audition is required. Chorus 8, aligned to the most current Nebraska Standards for Visual Arts and NAFME (National Association for Music Education) standards, is a course developed to expand musical knowledge and skills for all students. Topics studied will include the following: score navigation, basic composition, singing in parts, listening, and evaluating, musical vocabulary, expressive elements, sight reading and rhythm reading. Students will learn through direct instruction, authentic practice, and implementation through the performance of newly acquired knowledge and skill. The singers’ participation in performances are a major part of the learning targets and so participation at all performances is mandatory. The students pay for their own Show Choir costume if they are selected for Show Choir participation which meets 2 days per week before school.

Art 7 

Aligned to the most current Nebraska Fine Arts Standards and the National Art Education (NAEF) Standards, Art 7 is an exploratory course designed to expand students’ artistic knowledge and skill.  Students will engage in units of study around a variety of art mediums and processes:  ceramics, tempera, watercolors, and mixed media.  Students will learn through direct instruction and hands-on application. 

FCS (Family Consumer Science) 

Based on the Nebraska Career and Technical Education Human Sciences Education Program of Study Standards, FCS 7 is a course that focuses on consumer issues and careers related to safety and sanitation, breakfast and fast food choices, healthy snacking, a cookie bake-off, table manners, and place settings. Students can expect to work in teams and learn by doing.  

Health 7 

The purpose of this course is to help seventh graders acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to function as an informed adolescent in today’s society. It is designed to help students develop healthy attitudes and to apply these to their daily living. The students will study the basics of decision making, hygiene, bullying, substance abuse (tobacco; alcohol), and nutrition.

Robotics 7

From the invention of the wheel to telephones to space travel, humans have continuously created new inventions to solve problems and make life easier. In this course, students will experience hands-on designing, building, and programming robots. Students will be exploring the history of robotics and using brainstorming strategies while learning and applying the basic principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics involving the Engineering Design Process. Robot projects will be used to understand and apply the engineering design process. Students will be working in partnerships using a variety of resources/tools. 

STEM 7 (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) 

Students will learn and use the Engineering Design Process incorporating problem-solving skills through hands-on project learning. Students will practice learning through trial and error, not just a finished product. Experiences and projects will range from communication through using 3D CAD, construction/manufacturing, transportation while using a variety of technologies.

 

Physical Education 7 

This program is designed to expose the students to a variety of team and individual activities with the intent of developing an appreciation of them as a spectator and /or player. The main consideration of the program is fundamental skills development and the promotion of physical activity and fitness toward a healthy lifestyle. Students will participate in a variety of team and individual physical activities & games.

Physical Education 8

This class will review the fundamentals of weight training techniques that were taught in 7th Grade Physical Education. Students will participate in approximately 3 cardio based workouts per week using heart rate monitors. Every work out pattern will be different from the next. Two days per weeks students will participate in lighter workouts with less cardio. The purpose is to teach students a variety of exercises and several different methods of exercising to give them the tools they need to continue to exercise on their own, leading a healthy lifestyle.

Lifetime Activities 8 

Students will participate in the following individual FitnessGram fitness tests: The mile run, pacer, paced curl-ups, paced push-ups, and the sit and reach. Students will be introduced to a variety of activities, including individual &/or team sports. Fitness is a focus in this class, with the idea of incorporating fitness as part of a daily routine.

Weight Training 8 

8th Grade Weights is intended to introduce students to the skill of strength training. The goal of the class is to develop student’s knowledge in basic lifting technique, equipment, weight room etiquette, safety, and spotting.

 

Careers 7 

Career Exploration is a course designed to help students investigate their interests and strengths, and then use the knowledge to aid them in selecting possible career choices. Career decision making, goal setting and vocational trends will be discussed. The curriculum focuses on the unique academic, personal, and social needs of middle school students. This course provides students with opportunities to explore career clusters while developing knowledge and skills that are applicable to all career fields.

Word Processing 7 

Students will review touch techniques and proper key stroking while continuing to develop composition and proofreading skills as well as speed and accuracy. Students will develop skills in the different features in Microsoft Word and Outlook 365 while creating email, memos, tables, outlines, and reports with citations.

Media 7 

In this class, students discover library resources, build research skills, and learn about digital citizenship.

Health 8 

Health is required of all eighth graders. Health is intended to help young people develop positive attitudes, values, goals, and behaviors—based on sound knowledge—with the underlying concept of abstinence.

Health is a course which meets the following objectives:

1. To provide individuals with adequate and accurate knowledge of family life in its physical, psychological, social, and moral dimensions.
2. To help clarify and strengthen values and attitudes related to family and to sexuality.
3. To enhance feelings of self-worth and self-esteem.
4. To increase skills in decision-making and communication.

Health concepts:

1. Sexuality and abstinence (physical, psychological, social, and emotional)
   Guest speakers on healthy and safe relationships.
2. Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.
3. Decision-making and communication
4. Teenage stress and stress management techniques
5. Law related education

STEM 8 (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) 

Students will be introduced to the Engineering Design Process. The Engineering Design Process teaches open-ended problem-solving skills and engineering concepts, which emphasizes learning through trial and error. Students will understand how creative and innovative design has impacted our lives. Students get to research, design, build, and test a variety of projects. To understand and apply the Engineering Design Process, students will be working in partnership on all projects using a variety of resources: Internet, 3D CAD programs, and an array of power and hand tools.

Art 8 

Aligned to the most current Nebraska Fine Arts Standards and the National Art Education (NAEF) Standards, Art 8 is an exploratory course designed to expand students’ artistic knowledge and skill. Students will engage in units of study around a variety of art mediums and processes: ceramics, tempera, watercolors, and mixed media. Students will learn through direct instruction and hands-on application.

Foods and Consumer Science 8 

Based on the Nebraska Career and Technical Education Human Sciences & Education Program of Study Standards, FCS 8 is a course that focuses on consumer issues and careers related to safety and sanitation, reading and following recipes, and the six essential nutrients. Students can expect to work together and learn by doing.

Computer Science 8 

Computer Science for Innovators and Makers’ teaches students programming skills that have real life applications. By using different tools, students will creatively develop systems that are programmed to interact with the physical environment. This course will expand students’ knowledge of computer science by giving them experience in computer coding, designing algorithms, and other computational thinking aspects. Teams will select and solve a personally relevant problem related to wearable technology, interactive art, or mechanical devices.

Introduction to Business 8 

Introduction to Business’s purpose is to provide students with an introduction to the business skills needed in the 21st Century. It will introduce students to the world of personal business and prepare them for their economic roles of consumer, worker and citizen. This course will also serve as a background for other business courses they may elect to take in high school and beyond. Introduction to Business will assist the student with consumer decision making, prepare them for future employment and help them develop an awareness of the relationship of their income to skills and education attained as they grow. 

Robotics 8 

From the invention of the wheel to telephones to space travel, humans have continuously created new inventions to solve problems and make life easier. In this course students will experience hands-on designing, building, and programming various types of robots. Students will be examining the history of robotics then exploring the future of robotics usage throughout the world. Students will learn brainstorming strategies and then put into action principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics involving the Engineering Design Process. Students will have the opportunity to advance their STEM/Skilled and Technical Sciences education next year at the high school in the STEM Academy, the Intro to Skilled and Technical Science Trades, or the Robotics 1 course.

Science 7 

Science 7 exposes students to the life and physical strands of science. Students will learn to use the scientific method to solve problems and find answers. The lab and activity allows students to experience science and not just observe it. The Science program in the Papillion La Vista Community Schools gives students exposure to a wide range of topics. At the middle school level, students will learn a variety of topics about Physical Science, Life Science and Earth Science. The basic units of study include the following: cells; heredity; human body; sound & light. 

Science 8

Science 8 exposes students to the physical and earth strands of science. Students will continue to pose solutions to scientific problems and real-life situations using the scientific method. A variety of interactive learning activities are utilized to introduce students to the basic fundamentals of science. The students will investigate the following areas of scientific study: matter; astronomy; physics; weather & climate. 

Social Studies 7 

World Civilizations 7 focuses on a regional examination of geography, civics, economics, and history of post-classical societies.  Students will study different regions and eras to develop an understanding of major factors influencing our world today.  Students will engage in inquiry to gather and analyze evidence in order to draw conclusions and communicate them effectively. The curriculum for this course is aligned with the Nebraska Social Studies Standards for this grade level.

Social Studies 8

United States History 8 focuses on a review of the Colonial Foundation followed by a study of our nation’s history from the United States Constitution up to World War I. Students will engage in inquiry to gather and analyze evidence in order to draw conclusions and communicate them effectively. The curriculum for this course is aligned with the Nebraska Social Studies Standards for this grade level.

Each middle school has courses designed for students with specific identified individualized learning needs. Contact each school directly with specific questions related to your family's student. 

Spanish I 

Spanish 1 in the MS is an opportunity for students to complete the first level of a high school world language class. Spanish I emphasizes oral mastery of the basic skills of the language, including pronunciation and the application of vocabulary and grammar to elementary conversations. Reading and writing skills are introduced as well as aspects of different cultures and histories of the countries where Spanish is spoken. Students can expect a daily interactive classroom experience along with regular homework consisting of review and class preparation. All students who successfully complete this class will be eligible for Spanish 2 upon entry into high school. This will put students onto the pathway to a 5th year of Spanish (Advanced Placement) if desired. Like all other middle school courses, students should expect to stay in for its two-semester duration.

Note: By BOE policy, only students in grades 9-12 may earn high school credits.