Grade 6 Information for Parents and Guardians

The information below helps you understand how the curriculum your child is learning aligns to the progress report standards. The items listed under each standard outline the content students learn over the course of the year. Not all standards will be taught each quarter. Content not taught in a particular classroom or school (e.g., band, strings, World Languages) will be marked as “nt” (not taught) on the progress report.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Listens and speaks for specific purposes

• Leads and contributes to discussions
• Paraphrases and summarizes what is heard
• Compares and contrasts viewpoints
• Summarizes and evaluates own contributions and participant interactions in group activities
• Distinguishes between fact and opinion
• Presents a convincing argument
• Compares and contrasts, identifies effectiveness of, and creates media messages

Locates and uses information from a variety of sources

• Uses word-reference materials and online, print, and media reference materials
• Evaluates the validity and authenticity of texts
• Uses technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate
• Cites primary and secondary sources
• Defines the meaning and consequences of plagiarism

Reads with accuracy and fluency

• Uses a variety of word recognition skills
• Self-corrects
• Adjusts reading rate based on purpose and text difficulty
• Uses expression, rhythm, and phrasing

Reads with understanding

• Uses knowledge of word parts and their origins to read unknown words and to determine their meaning
• Uses context and sentence structure to determine word meanings
• Identifies and analyzes figurative language
• Monitors  reading and knows what to do when understanding is not occurring
• Uses reading strategies such as making predictions, asking questions, summarizing, and drawing conclusions
• Recognizes how authors organize information

Writes with purpose, clarity, and expression

• Organizes writing around a central idea
• Focuses, organizes, and elaborates to create an effective message
• Uses description, details, and examples
• Varies sentence length and type
• Reflects individuality through word choice and style
• Revises by adding, deleting, and changing information to improve writing
• Uses available technology to enhance the writing process

Edits for usage and mechanics in own writing
Uses grade-level appropriate editing for:

• capitalization
• punctuation
• paragraphing
• sentence structure
• grammar
• spelling

HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Explains how the people and events of the past have influenced the present

• Understands how early cultures developed in North America
• Describes European explorers and their exploration in North America and West Africa
• Describes colonization in America (religious and economic events) and life in the colonies (New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southern) from multiple perspectives
• Explain the political and economic relationships between the colonies and Great Britain
• Explains the causes and results of the American Revolution from multiple perspectives
• Describes major accomplishments of the first five U.S. presidents
• Describes key events and roles of key individuals in the  American Revolution
• Identifies main ideas of abolitionist and suffragist movements
• Describes expansion of territories and how it impacted American Indians
• Describes the impact of inventions on life in America
• Identifies the main ideas of the Abolitionist and Suffrage movements
• Describes causes, effects, and results of the Civil War from multiple perspectives
• Describes the issues that divided the nation: cultural, economic, etc., as related to history
• Describes the roles of key individuals leading to and during the Civil War
• Describe critical developments in the war, including the location of major battles

Reads maps and understands the impact of geography on culture

• Locates and describes the continents, oceans, eight geographic regions and major bodies of water in the U.S.
• Analyzes and interprets maps; distinguishes between parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude
• Recognizes geographic features on maps, diagrams, photographs
• Locates where the American Indians lived
• Identifies and describes how American Indians from different regions adapted to their environment
• Locates and describes characteristics of West African societies
• Uses maps to explain critical developments in U.S. history including French and Indian War, Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil War
• Describes territorial expansion and how it affected the political map of the United States
• Identifies and locates states that seceded and those that stayed with the Union
• Locate major battles of the Civil War on a map

Recognizes the structure of government and the relationship between rules, laws, and becoming a good citizen

• Explains the ideas and philosophies expressed in the Declaration of Independence
• Identifies how political ideas shaped the Revolutionary movement
• Identifies government weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation
• Describes the historical development of the U.S. Constitution
• Explains and describes the functions of the three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial)

Understands economic concepts and the impact of economics on culture

• Describes cultural and economic interactions between Europeans and American Indians that led to cooperation and conflict
• Describes how American Indian used resource in their environment
• Locates and describes characteristics of West African societies
• Describes specialization of and interdependence among New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern colonies
• Explains economic factors influencing westward expansion
• Describes the influence of new technologies on westward movement and reform
• Describes the economic issues that divided the nation

MATHEMATICS

Represents numbers accurately and demonstrates an understanding of number relationships

• Describes and compares data using ratios
• Investigates and describes fractions, decimals, and percents as ratios
• Identifies a given fraction, decimal, or percent from a representation
• Demonstrates equivalent relationships among fractions, decimals, and percents
• Compares and orders fractions, decimals, and percents
• Identifies, represents, orders, and compares integers
• Identifies and describes absolute value of integers
• Represents and models multiplication and division of fractions
• Describes concepts of positive exponents and perfect squares

Computes numbers with fluency and makes reasonable estimates

• Multiplies and divides fractions and mixed numbers
• Estimates solutions and solves problems involving fractions
• Solves problems involving operations with decimals
• Evaluates whole number numerical expressions using order of operations

Measures with accuracy and makes reasonable estimates of measurements

• Compares measurements in U.S. customary system and metric system
• Defines pi as the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter
• Solves problems involving the circumference and/or area of a circle
• Solves practical problems involving area and perimeter
• Describes and determines volume and surface area of rectangular prisms

Analyzes characteristics and properties of geometric figures and demonstrates an understanding of spatial relationships

• Identifies the coordinates of a point in a coordinate plane
• Graphs ordered pairs in a coordinate plane
• Determines congruence of segments, angles, and polygons
• Describes and identifies properties of quadrilaterals

Uses data to describe, interpret, and predict events

• Constructs circle graphs
• Draws conclusions and makes predictions using circle graphs
• Compares and contrasts graphs of the same data set
• Describes mean as balance point
• Decides which measure of center is appropriate for a given purpose
• Compares and contrasts dependent and independent events
• Determines probabilities for dependent and independent events

Uses algebraic symbols to represent situations and relationships

• Identifies and extends geometric and arithmetic sequences
• Solves one step linear equations in one variable
• Investigates and recognizes additive and multiplicative identity properties
• Investigates and recognizes the multiplicative property of zero
• Investigates and recognizes the inverse property for multiplication
• Graphs inequalities on a number line

SCIENCE

Investigates and demonstrates understanding of the natural world in a systematic way like a scientist and applies these skills and knowledge to solve problems

• Uses observations to make fine discriminations between objects
• Collects, records, and analyzes data using metric tools and measurements
• Uses scale models to estimate distance, volume, and quantity
• Identifies variables and repeated trials  in an experiment
• Devises a method to test validity of predictions and inferences
• Understands renewable and nonrenewable resources
• Designs and uses models and simulations
• Uses current applications to reinforce science concepts

Demonstrates understanding of the concepts of physical science including matter, force, motion, and energy
Investigates and understands the following:

• potential and kinetic energy
• energy transformations
• energy sources and the role of the sun
• renewable and nonrenewable energy sources
• atoms, elements, and compounds
• chemical equations used to model chemical changes
• properties of water in all three phases
• origin, occurrence, and importance of water
• air make up and air quality
• atmospheric concepts
• air pressure, temperature, and humidity
• relationship of atmospheric measures and weather
• weather maps
• physical and chemical weathering

Demonstrates understanding of the concepts of life science including life processes and living systems
This standard is not taught in the grade 6 curriculum. Students will receive a grade of “nt” in this standard.

Demonstrates understanding of Earth’s patterns, cycles, changes, and Earth/Space systems
Investigates and understands the following:

• sun, moon, Earth, planets, meteors, asteroids, and comets
• relative size and distance between planets
• role of gravity
• revolution and  rotation
• mechanics of day and night and phases of moon
• reasons for seasons
• causes of tides
• history and technology of space exploration

HEALTH

Acquires, interprets, and understands health concepts

• Describe the urinary system
• Analyze recommended daily intake of macronutrients and compare the intake of nutrients and metabolism
• Assess effects of disease and differentiate use of medicines
• Evaluate refusal skills
• Determine effects of environmental influences on personal health 
• Create injury prevention strategies and describe first aid procedures
• Identify and interpret nonverbal cues
• Describe possible effect of bullying  and explain methods to reduce conflict
• Explain myths and facts about gangs and compare the relationship between self-image and gang-related behaviors
• Recognize the importance of significant friends and adult mentors
• Identify personal characteristics that contribute to happiness and group success
• Research impact of air quality

Identifies valid and accurate health information, products, and services to make healthy decisions

• Analyze benefits of following recommended daily allowances and identify health influences on food, physical activity, and sleep
• Evaluate influences on medication choices
• Identify benefits of tobacco-free environment
• Describe how screen time affects health
• Analyze personal, family, internal, and external influences that affect personal health choices, avoiding risk-taking behaviors,  ATOD use and nonuse, and emotional and social health
• Explain the importance of accepting responsibility
• Use decision-making process to make medical decision
• Explain the importance of mentors in avoiding gang involvement
• Recognize influences in bullying prevention
• Analyze the role of emotions and explain the importance of understanding other
• Describe influences on body image and gender roles

Demonstrates appropriate health practices and behaviors to promote a safe and healthy community

• Create a meal plan
• Assess personal and family wellness and monitor personal progress toward health goals
• Analyze the media’s influence on body image and identify persuasive tactics used by the media
• Develop strategies to prevent chronic illness, identify strategies to reduce injuries and illness, and develop a plan to remain injury free
• Determine strategies for sun protection
• Identify effects of peer pressure
• Analyze health information reliability
• Create a stress management plan
• Demonstrate ways to show respect and assess responses to criticism
• Set personal boundaries , evaluate a plan to manage bullying, and practice ways to resolve conflict
• Identify resistance skills
• Identify relationships of self image and personal success
• Encourage others to minimize pollution and create a goal to protect the environment

ART

Engages in the creative process to develop artworks and express meaning

• Develops ideas for artworks before beginning
• Reflects on art and art making by describing and explaining own artwork
• Expresses personally relevant ideas in artworks

Applies art media and techniques appropriately to produce artworks

• Uses a variety of art materials to produce artwork
• Explores methods of representing subject matter
• Follows appropriate steps in art making
• Uses art materials safely and appropriately
• Demonstrates control and craftsmanship with art materials

Demonstrates an understanding of art by engaging with art history, culture, criticism, and aesthetics 

• Engages in discussions about artworks from different places and times to inform art making
• Responds to own and other’s artwork
• Uses art vocabulary appropriately to identify and describe artwork
• Uses and applies knowledge from other subject areas when creating artwork

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Develops and Demonstrates competency in motor skills

• Combine and apply mature locomotor  and manipulative skill
• Create and perform rhythmic or dance movement sequences
• Identify the six components of skill-related fitness
• Analyze movement situations

Applies basic anatomy and physiology and movement concepts and principles, to improve motor skills

• Apply concepts of relationships, effort, space, speed, and pathways
• Apply knowledge of the skeletal system to identify joints and bones
• Apply knowledge of anatomy to describe specific movements
• Describe basic offensive and defensive strategies

Applies knowledge of fitness and active lifestyles to evaluate and plan for personal fitness

• Use measurement and assessment tools and data to develop fitness goals, interpret fitness data, develop a personal fitness plan, reassess fitness components and reflect on personal fitness goals
• Describe and apply components of FITT
• Define and calculate resting heart rate and it relationship to aerobic fitness
• Describe how being physically active leads to a healthy body
• Describe rate of perceived exertion and identify activity levels

Demonstrates skills and behaviors leading to personal and group success in physical activity, both in and out of school

• Solve problems, accept challenges, resolve conflicts, and accept decisions
• Compare and critique rules, safety procedures, and etiquette
• Reflect on improvement plan for skill or activity
• Describe benefits of competitive and noncompetitive activities
• Demonstrate integrity and apply rule/etiquette for activities
• Create and implement strategies to include others and promote safety

Demonstrates knowledge of the basic nutrition and fitness concepts of energy balance

• Create a one-day meal and snack plan
• Describe the relationship between resting heart rate and exercise intensity
• Explain the impact of physical activity on energy expenditure

GENERAL MUSIC

Develops and demonstrates skills in singing

• Sing melodies and rhythms of increased complexity accurately, demonstrating expression, appropriate diction and proper technique
• Maintain individual part when singing descants, rounds, partner songs and ostinato in two to three-part ensembles
• Sing expressively using dynamics and phrasing
• Improvise vocally

Develops and demonstrates skills in playing instruments

• Maintain individual part while performing longer ensemble compositions and accompaniments with three or more parts
• Perform and improvise accompaniments, ostinati and melodies of increasing range and complexity on pitched and non-pitched classroom instruments

Responds to music with movement

• Perform and improvise movement to a wide variety of music, demonstrating the elements of music
• Participate in choreographed movement including traditional folk dances

Develops and demonstrates music literacy skills

• Identify, read and notate rhythmic patterns, symbols and melodies
• Compose and notate original four-measure melody
• Compose music using contemporary media and technology

Applies critical listening skills when responding to and connecting with music

• Listen for and evaluate how musical elements are used to create expressive ideas
• Compare and contrast music and music performances from a variety of styles, periods and cultures with music terminology
• Identify selected compositions and composers from four periods of musical history
• Analyze individual music performances and reflect on success and areas for improvement

WORLD LANGUAGES

FLES 

Category 1 & 2 Languages* (French, German, Spanish)

Communicates effectively in the target language in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes

• Demonstrate understanding when listening to texts read aloud, such as by drawing images as they are described or by acting out story actions
• Read and understand repeated words, taglines, or short quotes from jingles, ads, movies, songs, rhymes, chants, or book titles, including content vocabulary.  Students may demonstrate understanding by drawing images of what they read or by acting out story actions
• Follow simple steps to create an object, play a game, solve a puzzle, or follow a scavenger hunt when listening and reading
• Exchange simple information using texts, graphs, or pictures as support
• Exchange greetings and information
• Ask for and give simple directions for games, destinations, or for any content topic when speaking and writing
• Describe favorite activities during the school week, weekend, or vacation
• Write about favorite activities during the school week, weekend, or vacation
• Provide simple information related to content in other classes using graphic organizers or simple sentences when speaking and writing

Interacts with cultural competence and understanding

• Identify similarities and differences in everyday products and practices of native and other cultures, such as currency, sports, or activities

Category 3 & 4 Languages* (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean)

Communicates effectively in the target language in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes

• Demonstrate understanding when listening to texts read aloud, such as by drawing images as they are described or by acting out story actions
• Read and understand repeated words, taglines, and short quotes from jingles, ads, movies, songs, rhymes, chants, book titles, including content vocabulary.  Students may demonstrate understanding by drawing images of what they read or by acting out story actions
• Follow simple steps to create an object, play a game, solve a puzzle, or follow a scavenger hunt when listening
• Follow classroom instructions, routines, schedules
• Exchange simple information using texts, graphs, or pictures as support
• Exchange simple greetings or information
• The student will ask for and give simple directions for games, destinations of any content topic
• Ask and answer simple questions, such as personal information, food, seasons, or any other content-related topic
• Describe favorite activities during the school week, weekend, or vacation
• Use words, list, and rank items related to content
• Provide simple information related to content in other classes using graphic organizers or simple sentences
• Provide simple information related to content in other classes using a graphic organizer

Interacts with cultural competence and understanding

• Identify similarities and differences in everyday products and practices of native and other cultures, such as currency, sports, or activities

*Language Categories 1, 2, 3, & 4 follow US Department of State Foreign Service Institute guidelines for language acquisition. Languages are placed into categories based on the level of difference from English, such as pronunciation and/or writing systems.

Immersion 

Category 1 & 2 Languages* (French, German, Spanish)

Communicates effectively in the target language in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes

• Identify the main ideas and some details from a variety of familiar fiction and non-fiction texts when listening/viewing, and reading
• Maintain a conversation and exchange information on familiar and researched content topics
• Exchange written information on familiar and researched content topics
• Present detailed information on a variety of spontaneous (student/teacher-selected) or researched content topics
• Create fiction and non-fiction texts with detailed information on a variety of learned or researched content topics

Interacts with cultural competence and understanding

• Compare and contrast familiar and some unfamiliar products, practices, and perspectives of their own and other cultures when listening to or reading authentic media/texts
• Discuss and collaborate with peers (including international peers) in familiar situations
• Correspond with peers (including international peers) in familiar situations on topics of common personal, school, community, or intercultural interest
• Debate with peers on a variety of personal, content, and intercultural topics
• Create fiction or non-fiction text arguing a variety of personal, content, and intercultural perspectives/topics

Category 3 & 4 Languages* (Japanese, Korean)

Communicates effectively in the target language in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes

• Identify the main ideas and some details from a variety of familiar fiction and non-fiction texts and other authentic materials
• Identify the general topic and a few main ideas from familiar fiction and non-fiction texts
• Maintain a conversation and exchange information on familiar and researched content topics
• Exchange information on a variety of familiar topics
• Present detailed information on a variety of spontaneous (student/teacher-selected) or researched content topics
• Create fiction and non-fiction texts on familiar content-related topics

Interacts with cultural competence and understanding

• Compare and contrast familiar and unfamiliar products, practices, and perspectives of their own and other cultures when listening to authentic media/texts
• Identify similarities and differences in familiar products, practices, and perspectives of own and other cultures when reading authentic texts recognizing that ideas, settings, and expressions may be presented differently
• Discuss and collaborate with peers (including international peers) in familiar situations on topics of common personal, school, community, or intercultural interest
• Meet a variety of writing needs in familiar situations
• Debate with peers on a variety of personal, content, and intercultural topics
• Write with details on topics of interest in own and other cultures

*Language Categories 1, 2, 3, & 4 follow US Department of State Foreign Service Institute guidelines for language acquisition. Languages are placed into categories based on the level of difference from English, such as pronunciation and/or writing systems.

BAND/STRINGS

Demonstrates skills playing selected instrument as an individual and a member of an ensemble

• Demonstrate correct body and hand positions, finger patterns, tone production, articulation, phrasing and expression
• Demonstrate appropriate ensemble skills

Develops and demonstrates music literacy skills

• Read, write and perform music with various rhythmic patterns and meters
• Identify key signatures and scales

Develops and applies critical listening skills as an individual and a member of an ensemble

• Sing simple melodic tonal patterns
• Demonstrate the ability to appropriately match tone, intonation and volume with others