Note:
* = Elective Course
** = Open to Qualified Students

**Algebra - 8
The course content is the same as high school algebra which includes several problem-solving techniques, the real number system, polynomials, functions, and quadratic equations.  Open only to qualified students with parental permission.  Completion of algebra will be recognized on the transcript, but will not reduce the number of credits needed for graduation.

Art - 7
The 7th grade art program is a nine-week course designed to promote a positive attitude about art and the making of art.  The program provides for enhancing the development of observational skills, critical and creative thinking skills, manipulative / expressive skills, and self-evaluation skills through an integrated study of art history, art criticism, aesthetic judgment, and the producing of art.

*Art - 8
The 8th grade art program is an eighteen-week course integrating the four domains of art:  1) art history, 2) art criticism, 3) aesthetic judgment, 4) art production.  The students will enhance their understanding of the three functions of art:  1) social, 2) physical, and 3) personal, as well as enhance their observational skills, critical and creative thinking skills, manipulative / expressive skills, and self-evaluation skills.

*Band - 7 & 8
While beginners are welcome in band, it is recommended students have previous training on their instruments so they may participate in large group band instruction.  During the year, the band will perform various concerts. Each student will have a group lesson once per six days.  All students have the opportunity to audition for jazz band and will be encouraged to perform in solo and ensemble contest.  Band meets every other day and is a one year course with a minimum commitment of one semester.

**Basic Mathematics - 7
This course provides a review of pupils who need assistance with basic computation and problem solving.  Topics covered include whole number operations, fractions, decimals, percents, signed numbers, geometry, and consumer mathematics.  Open only to qualified students with parent permission.

**Basic Mathematics - 8
This course provides a review of basic mathematics concepts using a combination of individual and group instruction.  Topics include number operations, fractions, decimals, percents, geometry and consumer mathematics.  Enrollment is based on test scores and teacher recommendation.  Parent permission is required.

*Chorus - 7 & 8
Chorus is open to any student who enjoys singing and wants to further his or her musicianship.  Attention is placed on development of vocal skills and choral technique.  The students sing three and four part music and perform various concerts and occasions throughout the year.  All chorus members are eligible to audition for the show choir which is an extra-curricular activity.  Chorus meets every other day and is a one year course with a minimum commitment of one semester.

*Communications Media - 8 (Semester)
Units of study will be chosen from the following media areas:  newspaper, magazine, cartooning, film, radio, and television.  This class is responsible for the school newspaper.

Consumer Economics/Career Education - 7
This is an introductory course involving the economic system and career exploration.  Approximately three to four weeks of this course will include keyboarding skills and some computer applications.

*Drama - 8 (Semester)
This survey of performance and nonperformance aspects of theater includes role playing, improvisation, acting, voice and diction, interpretation, and story-telling.

English - 7 & 8
This is a two-year course designed to immerse students in a reading, writing, listening, speaking environment where students develop language strategies and learn to value ownership as they make decisions about what they read and write.  Students learn to read and think critically and further develop the habit of reading for enjoyment.  Through a process of drafting and revising, students write to achieve a variety of purposes while applying appropriate spelling, mechanics, and usage.  Elements of language structure and grammar are taught and integrated through reading and writing activities.

**Advanced Language Arts – 8
Prerequisite:  The student will have a grade of “A” in 7th grade language arts 1st semester AND the student will meet one of the following requirements:

• An overall GPA of 3.5 in first semester of 7th grade and a 7th grade ITBS score of 95% on the Reading Comprehension section (NPR) OR
• An ITBS score of 98% (NPR) on the 7th grade Reading Comprehension section.

This advanced course will provide priority time for students to engage in the language processes of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Students will study classic and contemporary literature in a variety of genres.  Instruction and practice in the writing process with assignments ranging from narratives based on personal experience to explanatory essays.  The emphasis is on developing an individual voice and on learning through reading, discussion, and expository writing—to shape experience, discover ideas and communicate effectively in a variety of rhetorical situations.  In the context of the students’ own writing, matters of grammar, punctuation, and usage are reviewed as necessary.

**ESL (English as a Second Language) - 7 & 8
This program is designed for non-English speaking students.  Its purposes are:  1) To teach students the skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing which allow them to function at their grade level.  2) To help students understand and participate in American culture.  3) To assist students in learning to use English as a natural vehicle of communication.  4) To teach students to pronounce English so they can be understood by native speakers.

ESL Newcomers
As students enter the West Des Moines Community School District with English as a second language, the Idea Proficiency Test (IPT) will be administered.  Students scoring a low proficiency score on oral, written, or reading will be served within the Newcomers Program at Valley High School for three periods in the mornings.  Students are eligible to participate in the program for two full semesters.  After completing the Newcomers Program, students will be served by the regular ESL teacher at Indian Hills.

**Extended Learning - 7 & 8
This is a program for identified gifted and talented students in the West Des Moines Community School District.  Students meet with specially trained teachers on a regular basis in their own schools to work on activities designed to help them meet their potential.  The Autonomous Learner Model for the Gifted and Talented is used throughout the program in order to develop independent, self-directed lifelong learners. 

*Family Consumer Science/Life Skills - 8
This introductory course is designed to help students develop an awareness and responsibility in the areas of nutrition, food, clothing and relationships.

Foods: T his semester course will provide students the opportunity to develop valuable kitchen skills as they work individually and with others in the labs.  Students will gain knowledge of kitchen safety and food sanitation through the preparation of items such as: pizza, muffins, biscuits, breads, vegetables, fruits, cookies and many other foods.  Life long nutritious food choices are discussed and encouraged.  The planning, preparing, serving and table etiquette are all life skills that are taught in the 8th grade foods class.

Sewing: This semester course will provide students the opportunity to improve their machine and hand sewing skills.  Students will create several sewing projects (frog, sports bags, a clothing item such as flannel pants, etc.) that will teach many sewing techniques as well as fabric selection and care.  Students will explore the areas of design, color, and the history of clothing.  For a class finale, students may create a project by using a computer-aided program or an independently chosen alternative project.  Students will need to pay for additional materials for optional projects.

After satisfactory completion of French I, a pupil is qualified to enroll in French II in high school.  Completion of French I will be recognized on the high school transcript, but will not reduce the number of credits needed for graduation.  These courses also apply toward the fulfillment of university foreign language requirements.

General Music - 7
The course objective is to achieve a greater appreciation of all kinds of music by becoming more aware of the elements of music.  This is a listening to music and a beginning theory course.  Popular music, blues, jazz, and the classics are involved in the approach to listening.  General music meets every other day for one semester.  Students are required to be enrolled in one of the four music electives: general music, band, chorus, or orchestra.  Additional choices can be made if they can be scheduled.  Students enrolled in special education, reading, ESL, Learning Lab and/or Extended Learning may waive this music requirement.

Instructional Technologies
Computers and other technologies are provided in classrooms, large-group learning centers and media centers.  These technologies are used to support and augment instruction.  The goal is a seamless integration of appropriate software into the existing curriculum.  Technology tools enlarge the knowledge base by providing access to electronic forms of data, both within and outside the school building.  Students are expected to apply and expand on skills learned in previous grades.

Library Media
The school library/media center functions as the information center for each building.  It provides resource and learning activities to support the school's curriculum and at the same time provides a diversity of experiences, opinions, social and cultural perspectives.  The center provides leadership and expertise in the use of information and instructional technologies. 

Mathematics - 7
Mathematics consists of a review of number operations and a study of fractions, decimals, percents, measurement, geometry, and focus on problem solving  A common text and supplemental materials are used.  The majority of 7th graders take Mathematics - 7.

*Orchestra - 7 & 8
Students are provided large group orchestra experience.  Individual or small group lessons are provided for each student.  The orchestra will perform at several concerts during the year.  Orchestra meets every other day and is a one-year course with a minimum commitment of one semester.  Each student is also required to participate in a combined junior high orchestra.

Physical Education - 7 & 8
The physical education curriculum is designed to develop physical fitness through large-group and individual activities.  The development of good attitudes and sportsmanship is an important aspect of this course.  Uniform required.  Physical education meets every other day.

An additional section of alternative physical education may also be available.  Enrollment is based on teacher recommendation and parent approval.  This section is designed for students who have traditionally been unsuccessful in the regular physical education courses.  Guidance counselor or physical education instructor has more information.

**Pre-Algebra - 7
After reviewing basic mathematics skills, this course addresses mathematics concepts such as variables, factoring, and functions which will be encountered in algebra in 8th grade.  Enrollment is based on test scores and teacher recommendation.  Parent permission is required.

Pre-Algebra - 8
This pre-algebra course involves the study of mathematics with attention to variables, problem solving and the real number system.  This course also provides a basic introduction to algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.  The majority of 8th graders take Pre-Algebra - 8.

**Reading Skills - 7
The purpose of this class is to provide students with additional time for reading.  Vocabulary, comprehension and study skills are emphasized and applied with the student’s subject area readings.  Enrollment is based on qualified students who have been recommended.  The class meets every other day all year.

**Reading Resource - 8
This course builds on reading strategies established in 7th grade reading skills with an emphasis on application to content area and independent reading.  Enrollment is based on participation in 7th grade reading skills class and test scores or counselor recommendation.

Science - 7
Science 7 includes an investigation of the earth, life, physical and environmental science.  Skills include collecting and organizing data,  controlling variables and testing predictions.  This is course 1 of a three-year sequence.  A unit on health is also included.

Science - 8
Science 8 includes an investigation of the earth, life, physical and environmental sciences.  Skills include collecting and organizing data, making decisions and application of science concepts to the world around us.  This is course 2 of a three-year sequence.  A health unit addressing drug and alcohol education, human growth and development and diseases is included.

**Advanced Science – 8
Prerequisite:  The student will have a grade of “A” in 7th grade science 1st semester AND the student will meet one of the following requirements:

• An overall GPA of 3.5 in first semester of 7th grade and a 7th grade ITBS score of 95% on the Science section (NPR) OR
• An ITBS score of 98% (NPR) on the 7th grade Science section.

This advanced course would cover the same units and topics as 8th grade science but to a greater depth.  Students would be engaged in research and problem-solving activities that would include designing their own investigations followed by scientific writing.  Higher level math skills would be incorporated into the chemistry and physical science units as well as studying these topics in greater depth to prepare these students for the possibility of taking chemistry or physics at the sophomore level.  A greater emphasis on careers would also be included to help guide these students on course selection in future years.  Additional speakers and possible field trips would also be included to enhance depth and understanding of the major topics.

Social Studies - 7
This course presents an introduction to world geography with an emphasis on ancient civilizations and European geography and history.

Social Studies - 8
The major purpose of this class is to provide students with a relatively comprehensive overview of United States history from the Pre-Columbian Times through 1877.

**Advanced Social Studies - 8
Prerequisite:  The student will have a grade of “A” in 7th grade social studies 1st semester AND the student will meet one of the following requirements:

• An overall GPA of 3.5 in first semester of 7th grade and a 7th grade ITBS score of 95% on the Maps and Diagram section (NPR) and Reading Comprehension section (NPR) OR
• An ITBS score of 98% (NPR) on the 7th grade Maps and Diagram section and the Reading Comprehension section.
  

This course will have similar content base compared to the regular section of 8th grade social studies (Pre-Columbian America through 1877 – US History), but will take a more intense look at the history through a variety of different methods.  Students will have the opportunity to debate historical issues, study and compare work of historians, analyze primary resources, apply historical learning in a modern setting and explore problem based learning.  Students will be asked to read and write at a high level in promotion of higher order thinking skills related to the content.

*Spanish – 7
Spanish will be an elective for seventh graders.  It will meet every other day for both semesters to provide an opportunity to develop an understanding of the Spanish language.  This course will be a continuation of the FLES program.

*Spanish I - 8
Spanish I is a two-semester course designed to develop the pupil's skill in the four basic language skills:  listening, reading, writing, and speaking.  Successful completion of this first year Spanish course should enable the student to carry on simple conversations and to read and write in Spanish.  The pupil will be exposed to Hispanic culture.

After satisfactory completion of Spanish I, a pupil is qualified to enroll in Spanish II in high school.  Completion of Spanish I will be recognized on the high school transcript, but will not reduce the number of credits needed for graduation.  These courses also apply toward the fulfillment of university foreign language requirements.

**Special Education - 7 & 8
Prerequisite:   Staffing team must recommend placement and parental permission must be received.  This
recommendation is on the basis of diagnostic and educational testing.
The goal in special education is the attainment of the greatest potential for each student identified.  The area of curriculum given the greatest emphasis to the individual student is based upon his/her need.  Unique problems and areas needing improvement are identified, and remediation is provided through an individualized educational plan for each student.  Students are mainstreamed into the regular program based on recommendations of the staffing team.

*Technology Education – 8

Exploring Technology - Semester
Graphics/Energy and Power - Semester
Exploring Technology: This course studies how men and women use different materials and change these materials to make them more useful.  Students will gain experience working with wood, metal and plastic and study the processes of laminating, welding and forming.  Problem solving is also studied.  Projects include clocks, mini-baseball bats, mini-basketball hoops and various plastic projects.

Graphics/Energy and Power:  This course is the study of two different technical areas.  Graphics is the study of men and women communicate visually including the areas of computer-aided design, drafting and photography.  Power and Energy explores how people harness energy for useful purposes and how we conserve energy.  Students will study rocketry, aerodynamics and electricity.  Projects include electric motors, model rockets and CO2 powered race cars.

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