Kempsville Middle School, Virginia Beach, VA

Advanced Placement Classes

How do I know if my child should be in an advanced placement class in...?

English

NO ONE FACTOR SHOULD PREVENT STUDENTS FROM REGISTERING FOR AN ADVANCED COURSE. Advanced English 6 reading level is at least two years above grade level. The ability to work quickly, accurately, and to persevere when attacking complex problems provides an advantage to the learner. Students will analyze literature and language from the seventeenth century on. Strong reading and writing skills are essential. Consider the following:

Score at or above the 85th percentile on the Grade 4 total reading Stanford Achievement Test (SAT9).
Maintain at least a B grade in Grade 5 English.
Work independently to solve challenging, unstructured problems.
Attain 85% or above mastery on the VBCPS Grade 4 or 5 English Post-test.
Attain Pass Advanced status on Grade 3 and/or Grade 5 English SOL test.
Demonstrate good work habits regarding homework assignments and class activities.
Receive positive teacher recommendation.

CRITERIA TO CONSIDER WHEN RECOMMENDING INDEPENDENT READING

Failing SOL Reading or score below 349.
Grades below C.
Below 25th percentile on SAT9 Total Reading.

Special Education Students are not eligible for this class

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Math

NO ONE FACTOR SHOULD PREVENT STUDENTS FROM REGISTERING FOR AN ADVANCED COURSE. Advanced Mathematics 6 is a compacted, accelerated course that includes grade 6 and grade 7 objectives. A grade 7 text and resource materials are used. The ability to work quickly, accurately, and to persevere when attacking complex problems provides an advantage to the learner. Consider the following:

Score at or above the 85th percentile on total battery for mathematics on the Grade 4 Stanford Achievement Test (SAT9).
Maintain at least a B grade in Grade 5 Mathematics.
Work independently to solve challenging, unstructured problems.
Attain 85% or above mastery on the VBCPS Grade 5 Mathematics Post-test.
Attain Pass Advanced status on Grade 3 and/or Grade 5 Mathematics SOL test.
Demonstrate good work habits regarding homework assignments and class activities.
Receive positive teacher recommendation.

STUDENTS MUST TAKE ADVANCED MATHEMATICS 6 AND ADVANCED SCIENCE 6.

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Science

NO ONE FACTOR SHOULD PREVENT STUDENTS FROM REGISTERING FOR AN ADVANCED COURSE. Advanced Science 6 is a compacted, accelerated course that includes grade 6 and grade 8 objectives. A grade 8 text and resource materials are used. The ability to work quickly, accurately, and to persevere when attacking complex problems provides an advantage to the learner. Students will utilize experimental design to conduct small group and individual research projects related to real-world problems. Strong mathematics and reading and writing skills are essential. Consider the following:

Score at or above the 85th percentile on the Grade 4 Stanford Achievement Test (SAT9).
Maintain at least a B grade in Grade 5 Science.
Work independently to solve challenging, unstructured problems.
Attain 85% or above mastery on the VBCPS Grade 4 or 5 Science Post-test.
Attain Pass Advanced status on Grade 3 and/or Grade 5 Science SOL test.
Demonstrate good work habits regarding homework assignments and class activities.
Receive positive teacher recommendation.

STUDENTS MUST TAKE ADVANCED MATHEMATICS 6 AND ADVANCED SCIENCE 6.