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FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTMiddle SchoolCourse Selection Guide2019–20
Welcome to Students and ParentsA Fort Bend ISD Graduate has a rigorous academicfoundation, strong character, and is The purpose of this guide is to assist students and parentsin planning a course of study tailored to individual studentneeds, interests, and aspirations. After an introductorysection on general requirements, grades, academicplacement, and student classification, the program ofstudies provides a brief description of the prerequisitesand content of the courses Fort Bend ISD offers. Thesedescriptions should be consulted in selecting courses fornext year. Students and parents with questions regardingcourses and the implications of selecting them areencouraged to consult with school counselors. Informationin this guide is accurate as of date of printing andsubject to change at any time due to updates inlocal, state, and federal policies. Please refer to theonline version of this guide for the most up-to-dateinformation. equipped with skills for life.Fort Bend ISD graduates exhibit grit anddetermination in all aspects of life; respectself and others; engage in healthy life choices;are literate and articulate; proficient withtechnology; and meaningfully and practicallyapply knowledge in productive ways.Students and Parents: Review the state and local course requirementsincluded in the guide. Also review the graduationrequirements for the Foundation High School Plan. Consider your post-secondary education plans andcareer interests. Decide which college or other postsecondary programs you might attend. Review the core course and elective offerings. Complete the course selection process as directed byyour school counselor and/or advisor.Availability of courses listed in the program guidedepends on student requests, staffing and otherresources at each campus. Some courses may not beavailable on all campuses in a face-to-face traditionalformat. Other formats (online learning or distancelearning) may be utilized to provide a course to meetstudent requests within district procedures. Fort BendIndependent School District provides equal educationalopportunity without regard for race, color, religion,national origin, sex, gender, disability and/or age.Additional information can be found on the Fort BendISD website, www.fortbendisd.com.22019–20 Fort Bend ISD Middle School Course Selection Guide a servant leader.Fort Bend ISD graduates demonstrateconfidence while maintaining a humble andkind demeanor; prioritizing the needs of otherswhile accepting responsibility for themselvesand are accountable for their own actions; areoptimistic; and strive to bring out the best inothers. an effective communicator.Fort Bend ISD graduates communicateclearly both orally and in writing; respectfullyand actively listen to others; appropriatelyengage in courageous conversations; andappropriately adapt their communication styleto the audience. a critical thinker.Fort Bend ISD graduates are visionary andsolutions-oriented problem solvers; areinquisitive and innovative; and have thecourage to actively challenge conventionalmethods in order to improve themselves andthe world around them. a compassionate citizen.Fort Bend ISD graduates are empathetic totheir fellow citizens, exhibiting care andconcern for others; are inclusive andembrace differences; are culturally aware;actively engage in improving our diversecommunity; exercise their right to vote; andare dependable, respectful, trustworthy, andself-disciplined. a collaborative team member.Fort Bend ISD graduates work effectively withothers to achieve group goals; take actions thatrespect the needs and contributions of others;yield their own objectives to the goals of theteam; and positively facilitate and contribute toteamwork. a life-long learner.Fort Bend ISD graduates approach life withwonder and curiosity; seek opportunities tobe creative; possess a thirst for knowledgeand the ability to adapt to change; and areacademically prepared to pursue and attainfutures beyond what they can imagine!
Table of ContentsGeneral Information.4–5Specialized Programs.6–8Assessment Programs.8–9Courses:English Language Arts.10–12Math.12–14Science.15–16Social Studies.16–17World Languages.17–18Fine Arts.18–20Physical Education/Health.21Career and Technical Education (CTE).21–22Technical Applications.22Specialized Middle School Programs.23Foundation Graduation Program Overview.24About Endorsements and Pathways.25–26Academies.27District Leadership .Back coverFBISD MISSIONFort Bend ISD exists to inspire and equipall students to pursue futures beyondwhat they can imagine.FBISD VISIONFort Bend ISD will graduate studentswho exhibit the attributes of theDistrict’s Profile of a Graduate.2019–20 Fort Bend ISD Middle School Course Selection Guide3
General InformationMiddle school students take required and elective courses.6th GRADE COURSE AREAS7th GRADE COURSE AREAS8th GRADE COURSE AREASEnglish Language ArtsEnglish Language ArtsEnglish Language ArtsMathMathMathScienceScienceScienceSocial StudiesSocial StudiesSocial StudiesPhysical EducationPhysical Education/HealthPhysical EducationFine ArtsElectiveElectiveElectiveElectiveElectiveState Credit CoursesAll courses which are to be counted toward grade level andgraduation requirements must be state-approved courses. Therequirement may be waived under certain circumstances.High school credit courses made available to students inmiddle school may be taken only with prior written approvalof the student’s parent and school counselor. In addition,available courses may be taken only at the student’s feederpattern high school within the District if the course is notoffered at the middle school campus. Courses are subject toalignment between high school and middle school schedulesand staff availability. Transportation to or from the high schoolshall not be provided and will be the sole responsibility of eachparticipating student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). Course gradesand credits will be included on the high school transcript.Grade points will also be calculated into the overall gradepoint average and will be used for high school class rank.Academic OptionsStudents have two academic options when selecting classes:on-level courses or Pre-AP courses. Students are advised to takecourses at a level where they will be challenged and yet willperform successfully. The options available for each course arelisted with course descriptions.Academic Eligibility Rules/UILA student shall be suspended from participation in competitionor other public performance sponsored or sanctioned by theschool district during the three week period following a gradereporting period in which the student received a grade lowerthan 70 in any class. This suspension continues for at least threeweeks and is not removed during the school year until thestudent’s grade in each class is 70 or greater. A student may42019–20 Fort Bend ISD Middle School Course Selection Guidecontinue to practice or rehearse with other students for anextracurricular activity. Students may regain eligibility sevendays after the six week grading period ends or seven days aftera three week evaluation period. For a student to be eligible toparticipate in UIL activities, the student must be classified as afull-time student (5 classes). Classes such as office aide do notmeet this requirement.Semester SystemThe Fort Bend Independent School District’s middle schoolsoperate on a semester system. Each school year is divided intotwo semesters, and each semester is divided into two gradingperiods. Most courses vary from one to two semesters inlength. Credit for courses is awarded based on EIE policy.Grading SystemThe State Board of Education has set 70 as a minimum passinggrade. Written communication of the student’s achievementis reported to the parents on a nine-week basis. When lettergrades are recorded, the following conversions are used.90-100 A80-89 B70-79 C69-below FActual student numeric grades are recorded in the grade bookand averaged as actual grades. An Incomplete (I) is given ona report card if a student, because of illness or for some otherexcused reason, cannot complete the required work by the endof the reporting period. The student should contact the teacherto arrange to complete the work.
General InformationThe 100-Point GPA ScaleFBISD uses the 100-point GPA scale for high school class rank,which is applied to high school courses only. With this system,the 100-point scale is calculated by adding all of the semesteraverages earned by a student and dividing by semestersattempted. The 100-point scale can be converted to theFour Point Scale which is the most common scale for collegeadmissions, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)and scholarship applications. In addition, the weighted gradepoint system was also revised beginning with the Class of 2019.The grade weights are reflected in the chart:AdvancedPlacement (AP)Courses/Beyond APPre-AP, HonorsCourses,Dual Credit CoursesOn LevelCoursesReceives10 point weightReceives5 point weightNon-weightedAttendanceStudents must be in attendance a minimum of 90 percent ofthe days after enrollment in the course. See the Student/ParentHandbook for more information.Make-Up WorkA student must ask the teacher for make-up work immediatelyupon returning to school after an absence. If a test wasscheduled before the student was absent, then the studentmay be required to take the test the day he/she returns. If astudent has missed work, the teacher will give the student theopportunity to make up the work. Generally one day for eachday of excused absence will be provided for the make-up work.Failure to meet the deadline may result in a lower grade.Fitness AssessmentThe Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.101 states that a schooldistrict must annually assess the physical fitness of studentsenrolled in grade three or higher in a course that satisfies thecurriculum requirements for physical education under TEC§28.002 (a)(2)(C). Students in grades 3-8, as well as any studentat the high school level enrolled in a Texas Essential Knowledgeand Skills (TEKS) based course for physical education or anystudent in a substitution for physical education, must beassessed. Students who are enrolled in athletics, off-campusprivate or commercially-sponsored physical activity programsor ROTC, must always be assessed. The assessment instrumentis the Fitnessgram which evaluates body composition (BodyMass Index), aerobic capacity (one mile run or pacer test),muscular strength and endurance (curl-ups, pull-ups, flexedarm hang), and flexibility (shoulder stretch).Off Campus Physical EducationPrivate or commercially-sponsored physical activity programsdesigned to develop national level capabilities may besubstituted for physical education (PE) credit in grades 6–12, ifapproved by the school board and the Texas Education Agency.Students who wish to participate in Off Campus PE mustreceive prior approval from the Health and PE Coordinator,must provide his/her own transportation, and must providea workout schedule and attendance records. The Category Iclassification requires a minimum of 15 hours per week(Mon.–Fri.) per semester. Examples of Category I Off CampusPE options include equestrian, gymnastics, ice skating, andTae Kwon Do. The Category II classification is only offered tohigh school students and requires a minimum of 5 hours perweek per semester. Category II Off Campus PE options includephysical activity programs that teach a curriculum aligned tothe Texas Education Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for physicalactivity. See the FBISD Off Campus PE webpage to completethe online applications. Applications must be submitted by thefirst day of school for both the fall and spring semesters.Please Note: Category II is not available to middle schoolstudents.2019–20 Fort Bend ISD Middle School Course Selection Guide5
Specialized ProgramsAVIDEnrichment OpportunitiesAdvancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is anacademic elective course that prepares students for collegereadiness and success, and it is scheduled during the regularschool day as a year-long course. Each week, students receiveinstruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculumprovided by the AVID Center, tutor-facilitated study groups,motivational activities and academic success skills. In AVID,students participate in activities that incorporate strategiesfocused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization andreading to support their academic growth. A complete list ofAVID campuses are available on the Fort Bend ISD website.Students must complete an application and interview withapproval by a campus committee in order to be admitted intothe AVID Elective Program.A predictor for academic success in high school is students’participation in enrichment opportunities. Although they mayvary from campus to campus, many Fort Bend ISD studentsmay become involved in the following enrichment activities: Academic Octathlon (9th and 10th grade) Academic Decathlon (9th through 12th grade) Destination Imagination UIL competitions — academics, art, music, dance, speech/debate, theatre, and athletic SAT and PSAT preparation seminars National Merit Review Program Literary contests Numerous campus clubs, organizations, and activities Career and Technology competitions Youth Leadership Youth Expanding Service (YES) Program Science Fair National History DaySummer SchoolSummer school offers opportunities for students to takeremedial courses and/or courses for original credit. Informationwill be available in the counselors’ office after spring break.For additional information please visit the Fort Bend ISDwebsite after spring break at www.fortbendisd.com.Gifted and Talented (GT) ProgramStudents may be nominated and evaluated for GT serviceson an annual basis. Each year, there are two GT nominationwindows (fall and spring).GT students in grades K–5 are cluster grouped with GT trainedteachers. Cluster grouping places a select number of GTstudents together for instruction. Grouping gifted studentstogether provides opportunities for them to work withcognitive peers. GT students in grades 6–12 are enrolled inPre-AP and AP English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science,and/or Social Studies courses. Pre-AP and AP courses provideopportunities for rigorous coursework designed to promotehigher order thinking and college preparation. GT teachers inall grade levels differentiate the curriculum to meet the needsof their GT students.Enrichment ProgramsParents may choose to enroll their child in an enrichmentprogram outside of FBISD such as a course, camp, or study trip.Some programs advertise credit for their enrichment activities.However, course credit cannot be accepted by FBISD unlessthe program meets state and FBISD objectives. If students areseeking course credit, parents should seek approval beforeparticipation in any enrichment program.62019–20 Fort Bend ISD Middle School Course Selection GuideDuke University Talent IdentificationProgram (TIP)The Duke University Talent Identification Program aims toidentify academically talented adolescents in 6th and 7th grade.Students who obtained a score in the 95th percentile or higheron an approved standardized test may choose to take the SATin December or January, or the ACT in December or February.Participation in Duke Talent Identification Program does notinclude course credit. Further information may be obtainedon the Duke Talent Identification Program website atwww.tip.duke.edu.Pre-AP/AP CoursesFort Bend ISD offers a variety of courses aligned to theCollege Board Advanced Placement (AP) program. The Districtencourages students to complete one or more AP coursesbefore graduation to prepare for success in post-high schoolprograms. The Pre-AP/AP program is designed to developcollege readiness and work for success. Beginning in 6th grade,highly motivated students may take Pre-AP courses. Thesecourses are academically challenging, fast-paced and requiremore independent learning than on-level courses. In highschool students may take AP courses and the associated APexams. Costs are associated with these exams. Scores of 3 orhigher on the exam can provide college credit.In middle school, Pre-AP courses are offered in:English Language ArtsMathScienceSocial Studies
Specialized ProgramsIn high school, Pre-AP and AP courses are offered in:English Language ArtsMathScienceSocial StudiesWorld LanguagesFine ArtsComputer ScienceOther factors to consider include the following: Pre-AP courses are designed to prepare students for APcoursework, but they are not a prerequisite for enrollingin most AP courses. Some AP courses do have specificprerequisites. Check each course description for anyprerequisites. Pre-AP/AP is not “all or nothing.” Students may enroll in asmany or as few Pre-AP/AP courses as they choose. It is possible to move from on-level to Pre-AP/AP sectionsfrom one year to the next. In math, it is more challengingdue to the acceleration of the curriculum in 6th and 7thgrades. It is possible that additional support may beneeded to support the transition to Pre-AP math in middleschool. Due to the challenging nature of Pre-AP/AP coursework,students may initially experience a drop in grades.Successful completion of coursework is generally definedas earning a C or higher as a semester average. Additional support and encouragement is important tohelp sustain student participation in rigorous classes.Guidelines for Exiting a Pre-AP CourseExit processes are necessary to assist students in making soundcourse selection decisions. Students and parents must beaware that the exact grade from the Pre-AP class shall transferto the on-level course with no grade adjustments. In the caseof failing grades, teachers may assign alternative assignmentsin order to fulfill a grade change of up to a 70. These grades willbe included in calculating the on-level course grade and mayimpact UIL eligibility.1.Students are expected to seek support when needed to besuccessful in a Pre-AP course. Actions taken should includetutorials and conferencing with the teacher.2.Requests to level down will be considered after the firstthree (3) weeks of school and only if space is available inthe new class. Prior to requesting a change in level, thestudent and parent must have met with the teacher andput in place a plan for success. If the teacher and studentfeel the plan has been followed, and the student hascompleted all assignments, a request for a conferenceto discuss removal may be made.3.Success in a Pre-AP course is defined as having a grade of75 or above.4.Students who earn an F in a Pre-AP course at the end ofa grading period may be removed from the class unlessotherwise recommended by the teacher and administrator.Students assigned to DAEP may lose their Pre-AP class.Special EducationThe Special Education Department offers identified studentswith disabilities opportunities to develop abilities in theleast restrictive environment. Locally developed courses withsignificant content modifications are available for studentswith disabilities who demonstrate significant cognitive delayand whose needs cannot be met through state approvedcourses. The course sequence for special education students isdetermined by the ARD committee as the graduation plan foreach student is developed.Section 504 of the RehabilitationAct of 1973It is Fort Bend ISD’s responsibility to identify and evaluatestudents who, within the intent of the Rehabilitation Act of1973, Section 504, need accommodations or related aidesand services in order to access a free and appropriate publiceducation. A student who may need accommodations orspecialized instruction within the intent of Section 504 may beone who: Has a physical or mental impairment that substantiallylimits one or more major life activities, Has a record of such impairment, or Is regarded as having such an impairment.Parents who believe they have a child who may qualify foraccommodations or services should contact their child’s schoolcounselor or the campus 504 coordinator.Dyslexia and Related DisordersIf a child is experiencing reading, writing, or spelling difficulties,the parent should first contact the child’s teacher. Furtherconcerns should be brought to the attention of the 504 campuscoordinator, school counselor or principal for information onthe District’s Dyslexia program and appropriate testing forreading disorders. Copies of the FBISD Dyslexia Procedures andthe Texas State Dyslexia Handbook in English and Spanish areavailable to parents through the FBISD website.2019–20 Fort Bend ISD Middle School Course Selection Guide7
Specialized ProgramsEnglish as a Second LanguageFor students who qualify, a comprehensive program in Englishas a Second Language (ESL) is available. The ESL programprovides structured language instruction designed to teachEnglish to students whose English language skills are limited.ESL instruction considers students’ learning experiences andcultural backgrounds. ESL is taught through second languagemethods for teaching proficiency in listening, speaking,reading, and writing in English.NavianceNaviance is a comprehensive college and career readinesssolution for middle and high school students connectingacademic achievement to post-secondary goals. Here are just afew of the many things Naviance can do for students:Self-Discovery & Student AssessmentsThrough self-discovery and collaboration with parents,teachers and school counselors, Naviance enables students tofind college and career pathways that are right for them.Career ExplorationThe career planning and assessment tools in Naviance allowstudents to realize their strengths, goals, skills, knowledge,values, constraints, and interests in future careers, to help themmake better academic decisions.Academic PlanningNaviance offers a variety of academic planning tools, includingindividual learning plans, to help enhance school counselingefforts and provide students with the right help at the righttime.College PlanningNaviance makes college research easy. Whether it’s matchingcolleges to a student’s career interests, or comparingadmissions rates at a student’s top college choices, our collegeplanning tools allow students and families to make informeddecisions. Students can also compare colleges and universities,explore scholarship opportunities, and track the status ofsupporting application documents (transcripts and letters ofrecommendation). Plus, all of these tools are managed fromone location, improving communications between students,schools, and parents and reducing paperwork.Assessment ProgramsStudents in FBISD participate in a variety of assessmentprograms. These include national, state, and locally developedtests used to assess student achievement. At the state level,the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR)program includes students in grades 3-8 and five high schoolcourses.High School STAAR End of CourseRequirements Students are required to take STAAR End of Course (EOC)tests in each of the following subjects and meet thesatisfactory achievement standards.English Language Arts – English I, English IIMath – Algebra IScience – BiologySocial Studies – U.S. History EOC’s are offered in May, December, and June.Middle School STAAR RequirementsMiddle school students will be administered STAARassessments in the following content areas:Grade 6 – Reading, mathematicsGrade 7 – Reading, writing, mathematicsGrade 8 – R eading, mathematics, science,social studiesMiddle school students taking a high school course in EnglishLanguage Arts, mathematics, science, or social studies willalso be required to take the End of Course (EOC) assessmentassociated with that subject.Students served by special education and who meet specificparticipation requirements may be given the STAAR-Alternate.The ARD committee determines which test is appropriate forthe student.82019–20 Fort Bend ISD Middle School Course Selection GuideStudent Success Initiative (SSI)SSI was created by the Texas Legislature to ensure that allstudents receive the instruction and support they need tobe successful in reading and mathematics. The SSI gradeadvancement requirements apply to students enrolled ingrades 5 and 8 who take the STAAR reading and mathematicstests. As specified by these requirements, a student mayadvance to the 6th or 9th grade by passing these tests or byunanimous decision of his or her grade placement committeethat the student is likely to perform at grade level afteradditional instruction.
Assessment ProgramsThe goal of the SSI is to ensure that all students receivethe instruction and support they need to be academicallysuccessful in reading and mathematics. This effort dependsgreatly on schools, parents, and community members workingin partnership to meet individual student needs.Texas English Language ProficiencyAssessment System (TELPAS)Based on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) mandates, theTELPAS requires teachers of Limited English Proficiency (LEP)students to rate these students according to indicators setby the state in the following domains of English language inGrades K–12: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.Based on state law passed in 1999 and updated State Boardof Education rules, all students in grades 2–12 who areidentified as LEP will take the TELPAS reading test. This includesLEP students whose parents have denied the program. LEPstudents served through special education will also participateunless their admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committeeexempts them on the basis that their disability preventsappropriate measurement in one or more domains. LEPstudents will participate until they meet the English Proficiencyexit criteria.Credit by Exam With No Prior InstructionAt the high school level, Credit by Exam (CBE) with no priorinstruction allows students to obtain credit for core academiccourses. (This option is available only one time for each course.)Award of credit for courses is given if students scores 80 orabove on the exam (if administered by semester, average oftwo exams to meet or exceed 80). Students may use creditby examination to fulfill their course requirements and thescore on the CBE will be entered on the transcript. Exams forall academic courses, are coordinated through the TestingDepartment. Credit by Exam for World Languages will beoffered for only Levels 1, 2, and 3 as tests are available for thefollowing languages: ASL, Chinese, French, German, Japanese,Latin, Korean, Vietnamese, and Spanish. All test administrationdates, along with deadlines to submit applications, will beavailable on the Testing page of the District website. Lettersdescribing the CBE process, the difference between WithPrior Instruction and No Prior Instruction, study guides andapplications will be available on the District website. Coursecredit earned through credit by exam will not be recognized bythe NCAA. Students will be awarded regular grade points forcredit received through Credit by Exam. However, only passinggrades (80 or above) are recorded. Students who are interestedin earning credit by examination should see their counselorfor approval and confirmation or call the Accountability andAssessment Department at (281) 634-1404.Validation Testing (Credit By Exam WithPrior Instruction)Students who have previous formal instruction and do nothave credit in a course may earn credit by taking an approvedexamination. Students must have made at least a 60 in thecourse to take a CBE. This option is available only one timefor each course. Only two credits may be earned towardgraduation through this method, with the exception of WorldLanguage courses. Students must score a 70 or above toreceive credit, but it may not be used to gain UIL eligibility.There is a fee for these examinations. Students from nonaccredited high schools and home schooling environmentswill be administered validation tests for the award of
of the student’s parent and school counselor. In addition, available courses may be taken only at the student’s feeder pattern high school within the District if the course is not offered at the middle school campus. Courses are subject to alignment between high school and
