Madison County School Curriculum
MCSD has embraced a 3D Approach to accelerate student achievement. Schools are expected to:
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Differentiate instruction for the learners based on readiness, interest, etc. to prevent learning gaps; |
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Teach to the appropriate Depths of knowledge to prepare students for higher order thinking; |
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Study a concept of backwards planning, based on the principles of Understanding by Design. |
Elementary schools are encouraged to implement a balanced literacy approach to teaching reading and content areas. Where appropriate, science, social studies, and math are integrated into the reading curriculum for building background knowledge and making connections across the disciplines. Developmental Reading Assessments are used to differentiate the levels of the learners for appropriate instruction in small guided reading groups. Hands-on mathematics and problem-solving are a daily part of the elementary classrooms in order to develop confident critical thinkers.
Elementary School Grading and Retention |
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K-1-2 students
K-1-2 students will receive report cards at the end of each nine-week grading period. The following key will be used to convey progress:
L |
Learning in Progress — Your child has been introduced to this concept and is in the process of learning this concept/basic skill at appropriate pace.
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M |
Your child has learned to work independently using this concept/basic skill with 80% accuracy. |
Grades 3, 4, and 5
Report cards for students in grades 3, 4, 5 will be sent home the week following each nine-week’s grading period. Number and letter grades are used to convey progress in areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, and Reading. Number and letter grades are used to report progress in Science and Social Studies at grades 4 and 5.
A |
94-100 |
B |
85-93 |
C |
75-84 |
D |
70-74 |
F |
Below 70 (Very Poor / Failure) |
I |
Incomplete |
Continue
Middle School Promotion and Retention |
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Middle schools have adopted reading programs that also incorporate assessments to determine the levels of the learner and provide appropriate instruction. Voyagers and Read 180 are essential parts of these balanced reading programs that guide students to be better readers. All subjects are focused on building better thinkers and problem-solvers who can apply knowledge in new situations.
Promotion and retention decisions in the Madison County School District are based upon student achievement of objectives as outlined in the instructional management plans of the Madison County School District. In all subjects and at all grade levels, mastery will be defined as the student demonstrating the ability to perform the objective at the 70% level.
To be eligible for promotion to the next grade level, a student must master essential skills as identified in the curriculum structure of the State of Mississippi and the Madison County School District, and must show proficiency in the designated essential skills for all subjects taken, less one. If a student receives a final grade of F in any course, this constitutes failure of that grade level and the student is retained.
High School Promotion and Retention |
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High Schools have studied ways to differentiate instruction by interests and learning styles. Variation of instructional delivery is required and students are challenged to become analytical thinkers. Many accelerated courses are offered, along with dual enrollment.
Graduation Requirements
Full requirements for students graduating in 2011 and 2012, entering 9th graders in 08-09, can be downloaded in PDF format.
English (4 Carnegie Units) |
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English I |
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English II |
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English III |
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English IV |
Science (3 Carnegie Units — 2 Lab Based) |
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Biology I |
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Any two full credit science courses |
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Students entering the 9th grade in 2008-09 will be required to complete 4 Carnegie Units.
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Health (1/2 Carnegie Unit) |
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Comprehensive or Individual Health |
Fine Arts (1 Carnegie Unit) |
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Band |
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Art |
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Introduction to Fine Arts |
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Theatre |
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Choral Music |
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General Music |
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Math (4 Carnegie Units) ** |
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Algebra I |
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Geometry |
History (4 Carnegie Units) |
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MS Studies |
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Geography |
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World History |
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US History |
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US Government |
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Economics |
Computer (1 Carnegie Unit) |
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1/2 — Computer Applications |
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1/2 — Keyboarding |
Electives (6.5 Carnegie Units) |
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Any course of your choice |
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Plus any state mandated exams. |
Total Credits Required for Graduation: 24 |
Dual Enrollment
The Madison County School District and Holmes Community College offer a Dual Enrollment Program for High School Seniors. This program allows these seniors the opportunity to take college classes within the time frame allocated for the regular high school day. For more information about the program look at the High School Handbook or online at websites.
The Plan
While all students will pursue a variety of paths after high school, all students should prepare for college and work after high school. Madison County School District offers all 10th grade students the ACT's PLAN Assessment . This program is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years.
8th Grade Math
Beginning school year with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra and Transition to Algebra, as well as Algebra I, may be taken in the 8th grade for Carnegie unit credit. Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be included in the four mathematics courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 4.5 general electives required for graduation.
At least one of the four required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. The allowable mathematic courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics and AP Statistics.
**Beginning school year 2008-2009 for all entering ninth graders, at least two of the four required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra 1. In addition, these students will also be required to earn 4 Carnegie Units in Science.
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