The outline of courses in this guide will provide students and parents with a basic description of each course offered at Williams Intermediate School.
The course selection process is directed by the Guidance Department. The exact dates and times of this process will be announced through the counselor's corner web page as well as the school newsletter. The counselors will meet with students concerning course selections. Careful selection of courses by the students will make their school year more successful.
Note: Some of the information in this online course guide may be out of date. Please refer to your course guide provided at the time of course signup.
It is the policy of the Davenport Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is also the policy of this district that the curriculum content and instructional materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles, and life styles open to women as well as men in our society.
Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, Title VI, or Section 504 may be directed to:
Program Director of Equity
Davenport Community Schools
1606 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
Telephone (563) 336-3805
or to the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 211 East Maple Street, 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319, or to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Kansas City, Missouri.
Language Arts / Reading (2 Periods/Day)
Language Arts is a year long course that integrates listening, speaking, writing, reading and viewing. Students participate in readers' and writers' workshops and receive instruction in critical communication skills in this two period class. Learning opportunities include individual and large and small group activities, teacher-directed and student-selected activities, a variety of reading and writing genres including a research project, and independent projects. Language instruction, writing as a process, journal writing, and thinking strategies are also integrated into this course.
Students must meet the following DCSD math benchmarks: (1) Use a math/reading problem solving strategy, (2) Compute decimal value results using a variety of methods, (3) Demonstrate the concept of proportion and the applications of proportional reasoning, (4) use a variety of methods to compute with all types of fractions, and (5) Understand the properties of 2-D figures and the associated formula for area and perimeter. In addition, to the benchmarks, students will learn basic geometric and measurement concepts, learn and apply concepts of probability, understand and compute with integers, solve single-step and two-step equations.
A study of the influence of economics, geography, history, and political science on individuals and societies. Areas of study include Geography skills; the Old and New Stone Ages; the Ancient River Valley Civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China); Ancient Greece; Ancient Rome; the Middle Ages; the Renaissance; the Age of European Exploration; the Industrial, French and Russian Revolutions; and the 20th Century.
Health
Health Education is a required course in Middle School. It is offered quarterly to all grade levels 6-8. The course objective is to promote life skills, knowledge of the human body, positive care techniques
for teens and promotes healthy choices for a lifetime. The coursework targets the areas of personal
hygiene, relationships, nutrition/eating disorders, puberty, human reproduction, first-aid/safety,
disease education, substance abuse, and positive choice/goal setting skills.Science
In sixth grade science, students study the Earth through investigation of the influence living organisms have on the Earth’s systems, the structure of solar systems, geologic history of the Earth, and atmospheric forces. This course provides students an opportunity to use scientific equipment, science inquiry, and research current trends in earth science. This is a one year course.
Physical education meets daily for a semester. All students shall take an active part in the physical education program. Students who temporarily cannot participate actively in the program must present a written excuse from a parent or a doctor. In matters of extended illness written excuse from a doctor is required. If an absence of more than six weeks is anticipated, the student will be scheduled into adaptive physical education, if possible. Parents may only excuse their child one time per quarter from P.E. Handicapped students who are unable to participate in regular P.E. class will be assigned to an adaptive (modified) physical education class. Students will participate in various activities, team sports, leisure activities, water safety, rhythm and dance, fitness activities. Students who wish to become more skilled in these activities are encouraged to participate in the intramural program offered in the mornings prior to the start of the school day.
Students are expected to have a change of clothing for participation in the vigorous physical education activities. Students are also encouraged to have warm clothing for cool weather conditions. Each student is encouraged to shower after every activity.
Art 1 Grade 6 (M32611 M32612)
This course explores important aspects of visual arts in everyday life. It includes study and application of the Elements and Principles of Design, as well as the history of art. Symbolic design as a form of communication is emphasized through creative problem solving.
General Music meets for a quarter during the school year. Music instruction will include basic skills
for music reading and writing and music appreciation. Aspects of music to be studied include basic
music theory, music history, music of various cultures, composers and performing skills.
6th Grade chorus meets daily for the entire year. The student will be studying basic skills necessary for reading, writing and performing music as well as the study of proper vocal techniques. One third of the grade is based on rehearsal skills, one third is based on written work and one third of the grade is based on the attendance at required choral performances. Special attire is required for the concerts, which are scheduled during the evenings.
Music meets twice during the school year. Music instruction will include skills, knowledge and attitudes in regards to the history and performing skills of vocal music. Aspects of music to be studied include reading and writing music, music history, music of various cultures and performing skills. An optional sixth grade chorus meets outside of the school day and performs with other groups in the vocal music department.
Students will learn the proper techniques for the "touch system" to efficiently use a computer. Basics will be stressed to ensure the development of good habits. They will learn computer and Internet terminology and how to properly use the computer. Students will also learn to type reports and use basic formatting functions. Since this is just a very basic exploratory unit, it is highly recommended that students enroll in a semester computer course offered either in 7th and 8th grade or in high school as it is a prerequisite for other programming or computer related courses.
All 6th grade students will be introduced to the Synergistic Systems Lab. This lab is module based and works best when students have a partner. The student directed module is delivered at self-sufficient
workstations that accommodate everything students need to complete their activities. Activities include hands on as well as cooperative learning experiences. Activities are curriculum based, but give students an opportunity to explore on their own. Between each seven-day rotation students will have a discovery day in which among other things they will explore different careers associated with an individual module.
This course will examine skills the student needs to succeed in today's academic and social
world. Students will practice important social and coping skills such as critical thinking, feelings,
decision-making, communication, and action. A critical component of this course is the development
of self-esteem and self worth.
Students will learn about various languages and cultures from around the world. Basic words and phrases will be taught in the target languages.
Careers Class What basic skills are necessary to get and keep a job? These are the skills we will be working on in this 6 week rotation class.
Students will learn about job keeping skills like teamwork, positive attitudes, and punctuality. they will learn how to fill out a job application and write a thank you note. Developing a marketing plan and selling a classroom produced product will also be a hands on portion of this class. Expect great hand shakes and interesting conversations from your kids as we work through these few weeks.
(6 weeks)Childcare Students will study basic childcare and the developmental stages of young children. Babysitting techniques will be taught. (2 Weeks)
Food and Nutrition Students will learn basic nutrition information to make good food choices and introductory techniques for safe food preparation. (4 Weeks)
The TAG program is designed to meet the unique needs and interests of gifted students. Students who qualify for the program will have enrichment opportunities. Students are re-evaluated for TAG on a yearly basis.
Programming is provided for students who have been evaluated by a multidisciplinary team that has determined them eligible for instructional services and has determined where those services will be provided. The decision for placement by the team is based on specific federal, state, and local criteria. Parental consent is mandatory prior to testing and placement. Program services are available in the Davenport Community School District for students identified as having: a learning disability, a mental disability, a behavior disorder, a physical disability, a hearing impairment, a visual impairment, a traumatic brain or head injury, autism, deaf, blindness or a non-categorical disability. Students may be served primarily in regular education along with special education classrooms at Williams or at other sites.
Williams School is the designated intermediate-level site for ESL intensive instruction for the Davenport Community School District. ESL intensive instruction is provided for students whose first language is not English. The goal of the program is to develop the students' skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English, facilitating integration into regular classrooms. Once an ESL student tests at the proficient level on the Iowa English Language Development Assessment (I-ELDA) and the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS), the student is exited from the ESL program. The student may then return to his or her home school.
Band
This year-long elective course is a continuation of study for the students in learning how to play a band instrument, and provides participation in a group band experience. Most band students in the Davenport schools begin their instruction on band instruments in fifth grade. However, ambitious sixth grade students interested in band are encouraged to enroll. Developing basic music skills on a band instrument and participation in a group band experience are the central goals of this course. Group rehearsals are held before school twice a week. Each student receives an individual lesson once a week. Students must be prepared to provide their own instrument and accessories. Activities include: ensemble rehearsals, concerts, and solo preparation. Attendance at all concert presentations is required.
Orchestra
This year-long elective course is designed to continue the opportunity for students to further their ability to play a stringed instrument. Open to new as well as experienced string students, the course focuses on skill development, ensemble playing experience, and solo and concert preparation. A scheduled weekly private lesson is included in this course. Attendance at all concert activities is required.