Florida B.E.S.T. Standards
Dear Sarasota Academy of the Arts Families,
Sarasota Academy of the Arts will embrace The Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards for the 2021-2022 school year. The move from Common Core occurred at the state level on February 12, 2020, when the State Board of Education amended Rule 6A-1.09401, Florida Administrative Code, Student Performance Standards, to adopt the B.E.S.T. Standards for English language arts (ELA) and Mathematics for grades K-12. These new standards are posted along with summary documents at www.fldoe.org/standardsreview
Sarasota Academy of the Arts will follow the district's 2021-2022 plan to implement the new B.E.S.T. Standards for ELA by purchasing newly aligned textbooks and related technology for grades K-8. The following school year, 2022-2023, B.E.S.T. Standards for Math newly aligned textbooks and related technology will be purchased. Timeline and Guiding Information below:
ELA BEST STANDARDS: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Spring/Summer 2021: Professional Development on B.E.S.T. Standards and Instructional Materials ELA.
2021-2022 Academic School Year: Adoption of New ELA Materials
2021-2022 Academic Year: Classroom Implementation of B.E.S.T. Standards in ALL Grades K-8
MATH BEST STANDARDS
Spring/Summer 2021 through Fall 2022: Professional Development on B.E.S.T. Standards and Instructional Materials for Mathematics
2022-2023 Academic School Year: Adoption of Mathematics Materials
2022-2023 Academic School Year: Classroom Implementation of B.E.S.T. Standards for Math
Here is another helpful link: Understanding the New Florida BEST Standards
To a great new school year,
Dr. Jodi Kopacz
Sarasota Academy of the Arts will embrace The Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards for the 2021-2022 school year. The move from Common Core occurred at the state level on February 12, 2020, when the State Board of Education amended Rule 6A-1.09401, Florida Administrative Code, Student Performance Standards, to adopt the B.E.S.T. Standards for English language arts (ELA) and Mathematics for grades K-12. These new standards are posted along with summary documents at www.fldoe.org/standardsreview
Sarasota Academy of the Arts will follow the district's 2021-2022 plan to implement the new B.E.S.T. Standards for ELA by purchasing newly aligned textbooks and related technology for grades K-8. The following school year, 2022-2023, B.E.S.T. Standards for Math newly aligned textbooks and related technology will be purchased. Timeline and Guiding Information below:
ELA BEST STANDARDS: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Spring/Summer 2021: Professional Development on B.E.S.T. Standards and Instructional Materials ELA.
2021-2022 Academic School Year: Adoption of New ELA Materials
2021-2022 Academic Year: Classroom Implementation of B.E.S.T. Standards in ALL Grades K-8
MATH BEST STANDARDS
Spring/Summer 2021 through Fall 2022: Professional Development on B.E.S.T. Standards and Instructional Materials for Mathematics
2022-2023 Academic School Year: Adoption of Mathematics Materials
2022-2023 Academic School Year: Classroom Implementation of B.E.S.T. Standards for Math
Here is another helpful link: Understanding the New Florida BEST Standards
To a great new school year,
Dr. Jodi Kopacz
Middle School Curriculum:
6th - 8th Grade
M/J Language Arts 1 (6th grade), M/J Language Arts 2 (7th grade), M/J Language Arts 3 (8th grade) The purpose of this course is to provide students with integrated language arts study in reading, writing, speaking, listening, language, and literature in preparation for college and career readiness. Students will have a 75-minute class emphasizing these topics in accordance with the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards. As students progress from one grade-level course to the next, the complexity of materials and tasks will be steadily increased, as will the expectations of students’ independence in their application and use.
M/J Intensive Language Arts or M/J Intensive Reading will be used for students needing extra help in this area. The purpose of this course is to provide instruction that enables students to develop and strengthen reading skills and develop independent reading endurance.
Mathematics – Students will use a Florida-approved series for general math, pre-algebra and algebra. Students will be placed in the 60-minute classes based on teacher-recommendation and review of standardized testing scores. Topics covered will reflect the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards.
M/J Intensive Mathematics (Course # 1204000) (6th – 8th Grade for students who scored at level 1 or 2 on FCAT Math 2.0 the previous year) The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop mathematics skills and concepts through remedial instruction and practice if the student requires more than intensive instruction within the regular mathematics course.
M/J Mathematics 1 (Course # 1205010) (6th Grade) The purpose of this course is to continue the development of mathematical concepts and processes that can be used to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
M/J Mathematics 1, Advanced (Course # 1205020) (6th Grade students who met specified number of requirements at end of 5th grade as stated in District Student Progression Plan) The purpose of this course is to continue the development of mathematical concepts and processes that can be used to solve real world and mathematical problems.
M/J Mathematics 2 (Course # 1205040) (7th Grade) The purpose of this course is to continue the development of mathematical concepts and processes that can be used to solve real-world and mathematical problems. It builds upon the skills and concepts presented in M/J Mathematics 1.
M/J Mathematics 2, Advanced (Course # 1205050) (7th Grade) The purpose of this course is to continue the development of mathematical concepts and processes that can be used to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
M/J Pre-Algebra (Course # 1205070) (8th Grade) The purpose of this course is to continue the development of mathematical concepts and processes that can be used to solve real-world and mathematical problems. It builds upon the skills and concepts presented in M/J Mathematics 2 and prepares students for Algebra.
HS Algebra (Course #1200310) (8th Grade) Upon successful completion of the required coursework and End-of-Course exam, students will be awarded credit toward high school graduation.
HS Geometry Honors (Course #1206320) (8th Grade) Upon successful completion of the required coursework and End-of-Course exam, students will be awarded credit toward high school graduation and prepares students for Algebra.
Science - The Middle School science program will meet the challenges of this fast-changing field. Through the use of laboratory experiments, individual and group projects, and teacher presentation, students will engage in a study of earth/space, physical and biological sciences, as well as contemporary scientific developments. The hands-on program will emphasize scientific experimentation and experiential learning where students make science happen. Students will have access to a state adopted text book series for use as a reference, but will also use team-based learning to investigate and master the material necessary to be successful on national and state level assessments. Each class will meet for 60 minutes daily.
Earth/Space Science (6th Grade) – Students will study geology, oceanography, astronomy, and meteorology topics.
Life Science (7th Grade) – Students will study cells, classification of living things, heredity, the human body, and ecology.
Comprehensive Science (8th Grade) – Students will study topics relating to properties of matter, chemistry, forms and transformations of energy, and forces and motion.
High School Physical Science Honors (Course #2003320) (8th Grade) – Students will study topics relating to properties of matter, chemistry, forms and transformations of energy, and forces and motion. Upon successful completion of required course work and a satisfactory score on the state science assessment, students will be award credit towards high school graduation.
Social Sciences - Middle School students at Sarasota Academy of the Arts will be expected to take a critical and analytical approach to the study of American and world history and geography. Throughout their study, students will examine philosophical, religious, political, and social development by completing independent and group research projects, studying primary documents, and identifying with history's most influential figures through literature, film, and technology. Classes will meet daily for 60 minutes.
M/J World History (Course # 2109010) (6th Grade) - The sixth grade social studies curriculum consists of the following content area strands: World History, Geography, Civics, and Economics. The primary content for this course pertains to the world’s earliest civilizations of the ancient and classical civilizations of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Students will be exposed to the multiple dynamics of world history including economics, geography, politics, and religion/philosophy. Students will study methods of historical inquiry and primary and secondary historical documents.
M/J U.S. History (Course # 2100010) (7th Grade) – The eighth grade social studies curriculum consists of the following content area strands: American History, Geography, Economics and Civics. Primary content emphasis for this course pertains to the study of American history from the Exploration and Colonization period to the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. Students will be exposed to the historical, geographic, political, economic, and sociological events which influenced the development of the United States and the resulting impact on world history. So that students can clearly see the relationship between cause and effect in historical events, students should have the opportunity to explore those fundamental ideas and events which occurred after Reconstruction.
M/J Civics (Course # 2106010) (8th Grade) – The seventh grade social studies curriculum consists of the following content area strands: Civics, Geography, and Economics. The primary content for the course pertains to the principles, functions, and organization of government, the origins of the American political system, the roles, rights, and responsibilities of United States citizens, and methods of active participation in our political system. The course is embedded with strong geographic and economic components to support civic education instruction. Students will complete the End-of-Course exam which counts at 30% of the final grade,
Career and Education Planning - The career and education planning course required by Section 1003.4156, Florida Statutes, will be integrated into the US History course.
Character Education (K– 8) - Sarasota Academy of the Arts will have a character education curriculum, providing information to the students that will help them develop the tools and the desire to become caring and compassionate individuals.
Students in all of the grades will perform community service projects throughout the year. Students in the primary and intermediate grades will participate in a “grandparent” program with local nursing homes and assisted living facilities where they will visit, have generation celebrations, and perform musical programs for the residents.
Middle School students will participate in studies of the Holocaust through cross-curricular programs in social studies and language arts. Through reading, multimedia presentations, field trips, and discussion of the topic, students will be able to apply learned principles to their own interactions with peers, becoming more able to recognize intolerance, respect differences, celebrate justice and become involved in society.
Middle School students will also perform throughout the community for multicultural events, nonprofit fundraisers, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes. The students will sponsor the “Read to Me” program will be instituted where the older students will partner with younger ones as reading buddies.
The Academy feels strongly that providing this type of education to students is as important as any other subject area. Character traits such as respect, honesty, responsibility, self-control, tolerance, kindness, citizenship and cooperation will be emphasized and demonstrated in the “real” world.
Spanish - At the Middle School level, the students will progress from the simple responses mastered at the elementary level to conversations. An emphasis will be on grammar, its rules, and mechanics. Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery through written and conversational Spanish. Listening skills which emphasize comprehension of texts and conversations or specific pronunciation are included. Students also will be practicing dictation by listening to a sentence and then writing what they hear. Students will be assessed on their ability to use proper spelling with accent and diacritical marks and punctuation. Assessments will be in both written and oral formats to determine level of proficiency. Crafts, role play, music, and literature relating to Latin American culture will be included in the course.
Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Spanish (6th, 7th, 8th grades) (Course numbers 0708000, 0708010, 0708020)
HS Spanish 1(#0708350) - Students in 8th grade who meet the criteria may enroll in Spanish 1 for high school credit. This class will meet daily for 60 minutes. Students with unexcused absences that prevent them from having 135 hours of contact time will not be allowed to earn the credit.
Physical Education - At the Middle School level, students will receive the equivalent of one class per day for one semester. Emphasis will be placed on team sports and development of a healthy plan for living including physical fitness. Both team and individual sports and activities will be incorporated. Students will be encouraged to participate in after-school and/or community sports and physical activities including dance.
Health topics will be taught by the physical education instructor on alternate days or week in conjunction with the physical education course. The course will provide students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become health literate and practice responsible behaviors to promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy living.
ELECTIVES:
Middle School Music/Performing Arts – (Middle School Vocal Ensemble)
Middle school classes will meet daily for 45 minutes and will include the following performing arts elements:
- Singing – Solo, unison, and four-part harmony songs will be learned, performed, and recorded. Students will learn elements of rhythm, pitch, intervals, dynamic levels, and sight-reading techniques through the music they sing.
- Dancing – Students will learn choreography and will be able to identify and execute complex dance steps. Choreography will be added to the music after the vocals are well-learned.
- Musical Theatre Drama – Students will serve as the leading cast members of an annual Broadway musical. This will be a complete original script and score and not a Broadway Junior version.
- Performance – The program will be performance-based to afford all students the opportunity for on-stage successful experiences which require teamwork and build confidence. Students will participate in a Fall production (a show choir-style production of Broadway, pop, and jazz hits that is fully choreographed), a Holiday production (a show choir-style production with all the holiday characters which will be performed at Downtown Disney as well as throughout the community), and the Broadway musical in the spring. Students will perform throughout the community as an ongoing service project.
- Students will be afforded the opportunity to attend an opera, an orchestra performance, a ballet, and/or a stage play every year.
M/J Two-Dimensional Studio Art - Students will participate in a general art class including the six strands (drawing, paint and color, print, clay, construction, and fabric and fiber) and seven visual elements (line, shape, form, color and tone, pattern and rhythm, texture, and spatial organization.) They will also be exposed to art history, exploring the lives and works of major artists and art periods.
M/J Three-Dimensional Studio Art - Students learn to translate their two-dimensional skills into three-dimensional forms through the exploration of natural, abstract, and synthetic sculptural forms using materials that may include, but are not limited to, clay, plaster, and mixed media for creative expression. These student artists develop perceptual, creative, technical, and problem-solving skills in a sculptural context as they design and produce works of art with personal expression. Students in M/J Exploring Three-Dimensional Art focus on use of safety procedures for process, media, and techniques. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.
Digital Art - Students use digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Paint, and SketchUp as the medium for artistic expression. They will also studying publishing and put together various documents for events. This is a semester course taught by the Technology teacher and the IT Coordinator in the computer lab.
Drama - Students will write and perform their own stage/play productions. These students will also be producing the elementary production of the "Under Six" Write a Play Program.
Dance - Students will learn various forms and style of dance, including jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary in the first semester. The second semester will be devoted to choreography related to the Spring musical.
Creative Writing - The purpose of this course is to enable students to learn and use writing and language skills for creative expression in a variety of literary forms. Emphasis will be on development of a personal writing style.
