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6th Grade

SoWashCo Schools is required to put state standards in place and determines how their students will meet the standards and benchmarks by developing courses and curriculum and choosing teaching methods.

What Content Areas have State Academic Standards in Minnesota?

  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Physical Education
  • The Arts

SoWashCo Schools must develop its own academic standards for:

  • Health
  • World Languages, using current world languages standards developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
  • Career and Technical Education
LMS students present their toy projects for their critical thinking class to Middleton Elementary students

Middle school accelerated math placement process

All students in grade 5 are reviewed for math acceleration as they enter grade 6 to ensure students are appropriately challenged in mathematics by analyzing Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) math data.

General Timeline

February: Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) math data is collected and analyzed.  

Mid-Feb. - Early-April: Grade 5 teachers may provide additional input about math achievement in the classroom. 

Mid May: Teaching and Learning Services (TLS) notifies all families of students entering grade 6 through e-mail of their child’s math placement. This communication includes details regarding an appeals process for grade 6 math placement through the TLS department. 

Early June: Parents can sign up for math appeals, which includes parent input and a required diagnostic test.  

Mid June: Families are notified of the results of the appeals process.  

English Language Arts

Literacy is so much more than the ability to read and write. Students are active creators of information and ideas. English language arts courses in SoWashCo Schools help students develop the skills they need for success in post-secondary education and in life. These skills include critical thinking, listening and the ability to communicate effectively. Further, English language arts in SoWashCo Schools provides students with the opportunity to gain new perspectives and value the experiences of others. Students engage in a wide variety of texts, participate in rich discussions, and collaborate with, and learn from others.

Social Studies

Humans are social beings who interact with each other and the world. The social studies courses in SoWashCo help prepare students to be active and engaged participants in their society and the world around them. Students will be empowered to ask  questions, have thoughtful discussions and learn from current and past events to make the world better for future generations. We embrace diversity and culture so students are prepared to navigate an increasingly global society.

Science

Science in SoWashCo Schools provides students with the opportunity to see how things work - from ecosystems to human-designed machines. We embrace critical thinking and opportunities for students to study scientific mysteries and to design solutions. The future is in the hands of our students and we want them ready for it.

Math

Math is a universal language across the world.  It is everywhere - from the patterns on the wings of butterflies to our favorite family recipe. We help students develop mathematical thinking as well as the skills necessary to be successful in math. Even more importantly, math builds essential life skills such as problem-solving, analysis and spatial skills. Math also provides students with a deeper understanding of the world around them through science and the arts. Students will be prepared to design solutions for the jobs that haven’t even been created yet.

Physical Education and Health

Physical education and health are part of each student’s education in SoWashCo Schools. Physical education helps build student motor skills, heart and muscle strength. But most importantly, it provides opportunities for team building, collaboration and cooperation with others. Health education helps students better understand physical, emotional, and mental health and its impact on our bodies. Students learn how to maintain healthy habits and where to go for support.

College and career readiness, STEM, CTE and Technology

  • College and career readiness
  • STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
  • CTE (career and technical education)
  • Technology

Creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking are vital to learning. College and career readiness, career and technical education, STEM and other technology courses provide students with an opportunity to build and refine skills for college and career. Active hands-on learning gets students excited about possibilities after high school.

Fine Arts

The arts are a vital celebration of personal creativity. Students are encouraged to find their artistic passion, whether it be in music, theatre, dance, food or the visual arts. Research shows that participating in the arts boosts academic achievement, collaboration, and social-emotional growth and well-being.