LANGUAGE ARTS & SOCIAL STUDIES (CORE)

The La Cumbre Language Arts Department offers a wide variety of courses, from specialized classes for first-year English Learners to GATE classes for students reading at the high school level and beyond. One thing that all grade-level language arts classes have in common, though, is that they are taught with social studies in a core class that lasts at least a double period. By offering this extended learning time, students are able to make cross-curricular connections, delve more deeply into class content, have more project-based learning opportunities and build stronger relationships with their teachers and classmates.

Language Arts teachers emphasize a standards-based curriculum, the study of significant literary works, and direct writing instruction. Students are offered a balanced, sequential program through the Holt, Rinehart and Winston series, Literature and Language Arts. The Language Arts Department also coordinates a standards-aligned instruction calendar with the special education language arts teachers.

Students in 7th grade study the social, cultural, and technological changes that occurred in the world during A.D. 500 - 1789. They follow the history and geography of great civilizations that were developing concurrently during medieval and early modern times. 8th grade students study the ideas, issues, and events from the framing of the U.S. Constitution up to World War I. They learn about the challenges facing the new nation, with an emphasis on the cause, course, and consequences of the Civil War. Throughout the year, students develop reading, writing, and analytical skills specific to their social studies content.

Please look at the California Department of Education’s 7th and 8th grade California standards in language arts and the 7th and 8th grade California standards in history and social studies for further information.

Students may also want to explore the option of studying language arts and social studies through La Cumbre’s Core Knowledge Program.

Please contact the Department Chairs with any questions or comments.

Ms. Valerie Palmer: vpalmer@sbsdk12.org

Ms. Josephine Ke Moore: jke@sbsdk12.org