Union Hill Middle School - Grades 6-8

Union Hill Middle School is committed to fostering a love of reading and equipping our students with the skills they need to excel in literacy. To achieve this, we are excited to implement the Reading Reconsidered curriculum, a research-based approach that ensures students are exposed to high-quality literature and develop strong reading habits.

What is Reading Reconsidered?
Reading Reconsidered is a comprehensive literacy program designed to guide students through complex texts, encourage critical thinking, and develop their analytical skills. The curriculum focuses on four key elements: close reading, vocabulary development, nonfiction texts, and guided writing.

Key Features:

• Challenging Texts: Students engage with classic and contemporary texts that stretch their reading abilities and expose them to diverse perspectives.
• Close Reading: This approach encourages students to dive deeper into texts, examining language, structure, and meaning to build a thorough understanding.
• Integrated Writing: Reading and writing go hand-in-hand in this curriculum. Students practice writing in response to texts, enhancing their ability to express ideas clearly and critically.
• Vocabulary Development: The program emphasizes rich vocabulary instruction to expand students' language proficiency and comprehension.
• Nonfiction Focus: In addition to literary works, students explore nonfiction texts, preparing them for the demands of real-world reading and understanding.

Our adoption of the National Geographic Social Studies Curriculum reflects our commitment to engaging students in meaningful, real-world learning experiences. The curriculum empowers students to become informed, thoughtful citizens ready to make a positive impact in their communities and the world. 

What is the Nat Geo Social Studies Curriculum?
This curriculum brings the world into the classroom by combining rigorous academic content with the power of storytelling and visual exploration that National Geographic is known for. It immerses students in history, geography, civics, and economics through a global lens, helping them to develop a sense of citizenship and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and events.

Key Features:

• Inquiry-Based Learning: The curriculum encourages students to ask questions, think critically, and draw connections between historical events, current issues, and their own lives.
• Compelling Visuals and Resources: Using National Geographic's rich archive of photographs, maps, and videos, the curriculum brings topics to life in a way that captivates students’ interest and deepens their understanding.
• Global Perspectives: Students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives on history and cultures, helping them develop empathy and a well-rounded worldview.
• Hands-On Exploration: Lessons are designed to be interactive, with activities that promote collaboration, problem-solving, and active learning, encouraging students to explore complex social issues.
• Digital Integration: The curriculum offers a blend of print and digital resources, making learning accessible and engaging, with opportunities for students to engage in virtual explorations and research.

What is CPM Math?
College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Curriculum provides students with the tools they need to become confident, independent thinkers. By working collaboratively and engaging with challenging, real-world problems, our students develop not only strong mathematical skills but also critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that will serve them well in all areas of life. 

Key Features:

• Problem-Based Learning: Instead of rote memorization, students learn by tackling real-world problems that require them to think critically and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
• Collaborative Learning: Students work in teams, sharing ideas, discussing strategies, and helping each other find solutions, fostering communication skills and teamwork.
• Conceptual Understanding: CPM emphasizes understanding the "why" behind mathematical procedures, ensuring that students not only know how to solve problems but also understand the underlying concepts.
• Spiraled Content: Concepts are revisited and reinforced throughout the curriculum, allowing students to build on their understanding over time, solidifying their knowledge and ability to apply it in various contexts.
• Teacher as Facilitator: Teachers guide students as they work through problems, encouraging them to explore multiple strategies and fostering a supportive, inquiry-based classroom environment.

Grade 6: CPM Core Connections 1

In 6th grade, students begin their CPM journey with Core Connections 1. This course focuses on laying the groundwork for algebraic thinking and problem-solving. Students explore basic arithmetic operations and how they apply to real-world problems while beginning to understand proportional relationships and data analysis. Collaboration plays a key role as students work together to:

• Develop number sense, including fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Explore ratios and proportional reasoning.
• Begin to understand the basics of geometry, such as area, volume, and properties of shapes.
• Collect and analyze data to recognize patterns and make predictions.

This year sets the stage for more complex mathematical concepts in the future by encouraging critical thinking and collaborative learning.

Grade 7: CPM Core Connections 2

In 7th grade, students advance to Core Connections 2, where the emphasis shifts toward pre-algebraic concepts and deeper exploration of proportionality, probability, and geometry. This course builds on the skills developed in Grade 6 and introduces more challenging content to prepare students for algebra. Students will:

• Dive deeper into ratios and proportional reasoning.
• Develop a stronger understanding of linear relationships and equations.
• Explore probability concepts through data collection and analysis.
• Work with geometric concepts like surface area, volume, and angles.

The collaborative and problem-based nature of CPM continues to reinforce teamwork, as students discuss and solve increasingly complex problems together.

Grade 8: CPM Core Connections 3

In 8th grade, students take on Core Connections 3, which focuses on preparing them for high school algebra. The curriculum emphasizes abstract reasoning, complex problem-solving, and mastery of algebraic concepts. Students will engage with:

• Linear equations and systems of equations.
• Functions and their representations (graphs, tables, and equations).
• More advanced geometry, including transformations, congruence, and similarity.
• An introduction to the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications.