Middle School Program

2007-2008 School Year

Middle School Scholars’ Program (MSSP) – Grades 6-8

Identified gifted students (in the areas of Math, Reading, Social Studies, Science, and/or Superior Cognitive Ability) have the opportunity to register for a maximum of five class periods that are taken weekly on a pull-out basis from their regular classes. MSSP offerings will include:

ACADEMIC CHALLENGE 1 period per week (6th, 7th, 8th)

Do you have a wealth of trivia at your fingertips? Do you like to show what you know about events, names, dates and places? Academic Challenge will allow you to be the resident expert and share information with team members. Qualifying students will participate in the Fall and Spring Knowledge Master Open, a world-wide computerized competition.

CHALLENGES 1 period per week - Required
(7th only)

Share the excitement of group discussion as you explore some expectations and choices that will influence your future. Topics in Challenges include positive self-concept, responsibility, personal strengths, academic expectations, and establishing personal goals. An introduction to great philosophers will help us meet the CHALLENGES of our lives. This is your chance to express your opinions and network with your peers.

CREATIVE THINKING 1 period per week, 1 semester only - (6th, 7th, 8th)

Do you enjoy brainstorming, problem solving, and thinking outside of the box? Creative Thinking will allow you to develop meta-cognitive techniques to creatively solve problems, look at different points of view, and adapt to unusual situations. You will learn to develop infinite solutions, as you progress from convergent to divergent learning styles. Bring your imagination and let your brain soar!

FIND OUT 1 period per week - Required
(6th only)

Find Out is an opportunity for you to share your experiences and opinions with classmates in a supportive environment. Topics include perfectionism, time management, self-awareness, friendship and other concerns you might have as a sixth grade MSSP student. You will participate in projects and activities, which will enable you to learn more about yourself and those around you. Lift your spirits, as you FIND OUT more about you!

GLOBAL ISSUES 2 periods per week
2nd semester only - (6th, 7th, 8th)

How much do you know about geography, pollution, biomes, civil rights, international relations, and the judicial process? Global Issues gives you an opportunity to engage in stimulating discussions on a broad spectrum of such environmental issues. You will develop and present your personal analysis and/or possible solutions to problems and issues that cross state and international boundaries. You will examine divergent points of view, establish a thoughtful base for rational decision-making and arrive at alternative solutions for universal coexistence.

GUIDED INDEPENDENT PROJECTS 1 or 2 periods per week
(6th and 7th)
Guided Independent Projects makes you the investigator. This course provides a forum for you to share the results of your in-depth exploration of an idea, topic, or area of interest. You will investigate and develop your project under the guidance of your MSSP teacher. This is your chance to search a variety of sources and create a dynamic presentation. Guided Independent Projects may be taken for one period per week or you may choose to add an additional period, in which to research and prepare your findings.

MOCK TRIAL 1 period per week
2nd semester only - (6th, 7th, 8th)

Mock Trial is a great way to mix literature, critical analysis, and principles of the law. Do you love a good debate? In this class you will participate in a trial as part of the defense or prosecution team. A case is constructed around a novel. As part of the legal team, you will develop creative strategies to bring your characters to life as witnesses in a Mock Trial. The lawyers will ask questions, cross-examine witnesses, and offer opening and closing statements. Witnesses will answer questions about the incident in question. The judge will deliberate in an effort to deliver “equal justice under the law.”

MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2 periods per week
1st semester only - (6th, 7th, 8th)

In Model UN, you will learn about the United Nations as an international peace keeping organization. You will have the opportunity to participate as a delegate from a member nation in a United Nations simulation. Your delegation members will research your country in depth, learning about its people, culture, and language. You will study your country’s responses to a variety of global challenges such as human rights, the plight of indigenous people, pandemic diseases, and terrorism. If you are ready to engage in research, debate pros and cons, and ponder solutions to pertinent topics, Model UN is for you! There will be a fee of $35 for participation in this course.

PROJECT SERVE 1 period per week (6th, 7th, 8th)

PROJECT SERVE is a pilot program that will invite students to begin the development of student-driven service learning projects. PROJECT SERVE will engage students in the research and design phase during the 07-08 school year. The program will grow in years to follow, encouraging the implementation of projects through direct leadership of MSSP students.

SEMINAR SERIES 2-4 period sessions - 5 SCHEDULED PER YEAR
8TH GRADE ONLY - Open to all identified gifted 8th graders (MSSP particpation not required)

Seminars will be offered throughout the school year on a variety of topics. Students are encouraged to attend seminars based upon individual area(s) of interest. For a description of scheduled Seminars, please visit the Calendar page off of the Gifted website.

Middle Level Accelerative Opportunities –
Qualifying identified students may have opportunities to enroll in accelerated courses based on their individual academic needs. Please contact your school's MSSP teacher or our Coordinator for Gifted / Enrichment - Becky Quinn at (216) 320-2021 with inquiries.

For additional resources related to acceleration, please visit www.nationdeceived.org. This site provides access to "A Nation Deceived: The Templeton Report on Acceleration". This report is a compilation of years of research on acceleration and dispels many myths which have existed regarding the implications of acceleration. The document also provides information which describes the myriad of accelerative opportunities which may exist for gifted students.

Other Academic Programs of Interest to Gifted and/or High Ability Students -

An Accelerated Math Program (grades 6-8) and an Honors Reading/ELA Program (grade 6 for the 2006-2007 school and grades 6 and 7 for the 2007-2008 school year) exist within each middle school. Information regarding these programs and the eligibility criteria is available by visiting: http://resources.chuh.org/programs/