LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRICT
201 Covington Road
Los Altos, CA
COURSE OF STUDY
Sixth Grade
Revised 8/06
Adopted Program:
McDougal Littell: Mathematics: Concepts & Skills - I
McDougal Littell: Pre-Algebra
Creative Publications: The Problem Solver 6
By the end of sixth grade, students have mastered the four arithmetic operations with positive and negative numbers, whole numbers, fractions and decimals to understand and accurately compute and solve problems. One area of emphasis is statistics and probability. Students learn the concepts of and how to calculate the range, mean, median and mode of data. They relate statistics to daily life, analyzing data and sampling processes for possible bias and misleading conclusions. They learn to calculate probabilities; addition and multiplication of fractions is used routinely for compound events. The other area of emphasis is the concept and computation of ratios and proportions, including computing percentages (e.g. tax, tips, interest). Students learn about, and the formulas for, the circumference and area of a circle. They begin using letters for numbers in formulas involving geometric and in representing an unknown part of a ratio. They solve 1-step linear equations.
Problem solving with students choosing their own strategies or thinking of multiple possibilities.
Provision for a variety of experiences to develop number concepts and facility with facts. Examples include: real life situations, concrete experiences, applications, justification of reasonableness, and mental computation.
Estimation used frequently to promote a common sense attitude toward math.
Calculators used regularly and in appropriate activities.
Sequential lessons meeting the needs of all children presented from each of the following strands: number sense, algebra and functioning, measurement and geometry, statistics (data analysis and probability), mathematical reasoning.
"The Los Altos School District believes that every child should have the opportunity to make continuous progress in mathematics. Children should be grouped for math based on an on-going assessment of individual student needs. To maintain a program of continuous progress, some children will be accelerated beyond their assigned grade placement. No later than 4th grade (fall placement), each school will establish a common math hour for their children. Based on past work history, learner characteristics, tests of 'essential understanding', and spring testing, each child will be grouped for math instruction in the leveled class best meeting his/her learning needs and level of concept mastery. (LASD K-8 Scope and Sequence, 1987; Continuous Progress Math Program, Philosophy Statement, 2002)"
Adopted Programs:
Prentice Hall Reading/Literature Program
LASD Reading Standards
Word
Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development
Students
use their knowledge of word origins and word relationships, as well as
historical literary context clues, both to determine the meaning of specialized
vocabulary and to understand the precise
meaning of grade-level appropriate words.
Comprehension (Focus on Informational Material)
Students read and understand grade-level appropriate material. They describe and connect the essential
ideas, arguments, and perspectives of text, and they relate text structure,
organization, and purpose.
Literary
Response and Analysis
Students read and respond to
historically or culturally significant works of world literature. They clarify the ideas and connect them to
other literary works.
Adopted Programs:
HBJ Language Series (7)
Developmental Spelling/Vocabulary Program
Daily Edit 6 or Daily Oral Language 6
Writing Strategies:
Students write clear, coherent, and focused essays.
Writing exhibits awareness of audience and purpose. Essays contain formal introductions, bodies
of supporting evidence, and conclusions.
Students successfully use the stages of the writing process, as needed.
Writing Applications (Genres and Their
Characteristics)
Students write narrative, expository, persuasive,
and descriptive text of at least 500 to 700 words. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard English and research, organizational, and drafting
strategies.
Written and Oral English Language Conventions
Students write and speak with a command of standard English
conventions that are appropriate to grade 6.
Listening and Speaking Strategies
Students deliver focused, coherent presentations that convey ideas clearly and relate to
the background and interests of the audience.
They evaluate the content of oral communication.
Speaking Applications (Genres and Their
Characteristics)
Students deliver well-organized formal presentations
employing traditional rhetorical strategies (e.g. narration, exposition,
persuasion, and description). Student speaking
demonstrates a command of standard English and
organization and delivery strategies.
Adopted Programs:
Plate Tectonics
Prentis Hall: Focus on Earth
Elementary Science Laboratory Program
Gr. 6 Environmental Education Camp Experience
Drugs/Family Life
Concepts and Content:
Ocean features/plants/animals (inc. software)
Tides, currents, salinity
Wave action/water cycle/conservation
“Growing Healthy”
Scientific Method/Lab Safety
Food Web/Food Chain
Organisms interact within an ecosystem
Conservation of natural communities
Adopted Programs:
Macmillan McGraw-Hill,
Ancient Civilizations
TCI, History Alive, The Ancient World
Concepts and Content:
Map and Globe Skills
World Geography
The Earliest People
Development of Communities
Mesopotamia
Egypt/Kush
Ancient Hebrews
Greece
India
Linking Past to Present: Population Study
All children participate in daily physical education aimed at developing sportsmanship, coordination, agility, strength, stamina, enjoyment of physical activity and participation in team and individual sports.
All children in grades four through six receive weekly music instruction from a District music teacher. In addition, sixth graders have the opportunity to take part in the instrumental music program, which offers both band instruments, string instruction, and music appreciation. Art, drama, and dance are integrated throughout the curriculum. Each site employs an art aide.
For children who qualify, the District offers programs for English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Speech and Language Development, Special Education, Psychological Testing and Counseling, and Home Teaching.
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The Los Altos School District Course of Study describes a large portion of the basic curriculum which is presented at each grade level to all children.
Although there is no assurance that each child will master every area, a major effort will be made to ensure maximum understanding and mastery. Some children will master the concepts quickly and will be encouraged to move ahead to the next grade level's material.