Middle School Academics

Career Pathways

"Career Pathways" is a way of learning about careers in Newport News Public Schools. The Career Pathways way of learning is now in every school, so all students will leave our school division equipped with the skills and a clear understanding of the pathway to success in their chosen career.
 
Pathways are comprised of interrelated courses, as well as curricular, extra-curricular, and service learning experiences. NNPS has selected individual career pathways based upon local market needs in the Hampton Roads area and student interests. Learn more about this dynamic program.

Standards of Learning

The Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools describe the commonwealth's expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver education. These standards represent a broad consensus of what parents, classroom teachers, school administrators, academics, and business and community leaders believe schools should teach and students should learn.

In the four core areas of English, mathematics, science, and history/social science, a curriculum framework also is provided that details the specific knowledge and skills students must possess to meet the standards for these subjects. Standards of Learning currently in effect are listed on the Virginia Department of Education web site.

SOL Assessments required by the State of Virginia are administered in late April each year. Students in grades 3, 5, and 8 are administered tests in English, Mathematics, Science, History and Social Science. The English tests for grades 5 and 8 include a direct writing sample. In addition, a computer technology test is given to students in grades 5 and 8. End-of-course tests are administered in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English II (including a direct writing sample), Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, World History, World Geography and U.S. History. As required in the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, schools use the SOL test results as part of a multiple set of criteria for determining promotion or retention in grades 3, 5, and 8. Each in middle and high school who earns a passing score on an end-of-course SOL test is awarded a verified unit of credit in that course.

Learn more about SOLs and other testing at Newport News Public Schools.

More Information

Curriculum Subject Areas

Credit-Bearing Courses: Middle school students who enroll in and successfully complete high school courses receive high school credit that counts toward meeting the state-prescribed graduation requirements. The course grades become part of the high school transcript and are included in the student's grade point average. Virginia Board of Education Regulation VAC 20-131-90C allows parents to request that final grades in credit-bearing courses taken in middle school be omitted from the student's transcript and that the student not earn high school credit for the course if parents make a request in writing by July 1 of the eighth grade year.

Grading System: Report cards are issued each nine weeks and are supplemented by interim reports at the mid-point of each marking period. Students are evaluated at the end of each marking period on achievement, work-study habits, and attitude and behavior. In addition, the performance level is indicated for reading and mathematics. The comprehensive report card provides information to parents about the student's performance in core curriculum subjects and related arts courses. Eighth grade students are evaluated in all high school credit courses. View middle school grading scale.

Promotion and Detention: Promotion or retention of students is based on the teacher's and principal's judgment of what best serves the education welfare of the child. Parents will be informed early in the second semester if there is a possibility that placement will result in retention. This information will be conveyed to the parents through a conference and in writing. Any student with three or more F's for final grades will be retained.

Homework Policy: Homework is an important part of the educational experience, serving to:

• Strengthen skills already taught
• Increase learning time
• Provide enrichment opportunities
• Promote creativity, responsibility and independence
• Develop good work and study habits

Average homework timelines are recommendations. They are not meant to be minimum or maximum quotas. Some students may need more time and some less time to accomplish an assignment. The complexity of advanced level work may require additional time. Middle school students should expect an average of two hours of homework per night. This is a recommendation and is not meant to be a maximum or a minimum.