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Curricular Programs

Download MMS Curriculum Guide Parent Version PDF Document.

Science

Smithsonian/Foss Science Kits – The science standards are presented as a K-12 (13 year) curriculum framework with the primary intent aimed at encouraging study and participation by all students. The increasing breadth and complexity of science requires a curriculum that develops the capacity for life-long learning. It is essential that the curriculum adequately cover core scientific concepts and critical skills which serve as a base

Instructional Strategies

  • Hands-on, inquiry based instruction. The use of manipulatives and exploratory/inquiry activities is expected for each unit of study.
  • Each lesson should consist of a lesson launch, exploratory activity and summary activity.
  • Each lesson should include on-going formative assessments for learning.
  • Summative assessments of learning should be used for each unit.

Mathematics

The goal of the Milford Middle School math program is to prepare students to become problem solvers through exploration and application of key math concepts. All students participate in the Connected Mathematics Program II during sixth grade and all seventh grade students have the opportunity to participate in either the Connected Mathematics Program II or the Glencoe series. Both programs include concepts in pre-algebra and algebra.

The Connected Mathematics Program II is organized around important mathematical ideas and processes. The mathematics in the curriculum is carefully selected and sequenced to develop a coherent, connected curriculum.

  • It is problem-centered. Important mathematical concepts are embedded in interesting problems to promote deeper engagement and learning for students. Students develop deep understanding of key mathematical ideas, related skills, and ways of reasoning as they explore the problems, individually, in a group, or with the class.
  • It builds and connects mathematical ideas from problem to problem, investigation to investigation, unit to unit, and grade to grade. The name of the curriculum points to the importance of students making connections among mathematical ideas. Rather than seeing mathematics as a series of unrelated experiences, students learn to recognize how ideas are connected and develop a disposition to look for connections in the mathematics they study — it has coherence.

Language Arts

The backbone of the MMS Reading Curriculum is the Elements of Literature series and Strategies That Work by Stephanie Harvey. Using these resources teachers address the literary elements and reading skills outlined in the Delaware State Standards and Grade Level Expectations. Please see the Language Arts Blueprints and Grade Level Expectations for a list of these literary elements and skills.

Individual reading assignments fall into the following categories:

  • Formal Assessments – Performance-based tests including district assessments, comprehensive unit tests form the text, and text-based writing assignments completed without peer or teacher assistance.
  • Quizzes, Tests, Projects – assessments covering a limited amount of material, including story tests, vocabulary quizzes, and projects completed with assistance from teachers, peers or parents.
  • Classwork, Homework, Accelerated Writer – assignments completed in class or at home to practice skills being taught.

Social Studies

The Social Studies Department covers topics and times such as mapping, the Eastern and Western Hemisphere, American Government, Civics, Geography and the Ancient Civilizations.

Special Education Department

The Special Education Department offers numerous programs for those in need of assisted learning.

  • TAM (Teacher Assisted Mainstreaming): One regular education and one special education teacher in a large-group regular education setting.
  • Resource: One special education teacher following the regular education curriculum with accommodations and modifications. Some of these classes have teacher assistants.
  • ILC ( Intensive Learning Center ) Small group setting with behavior modifications as a key component; teacher assistants in all classes.

Download MMS Curriculum Guide Parent Version PDF Document.