OJH Program of Study

Statement of Purpose

The educational program of Oakwood Junior High School is designed and developed to: 1) provide for a common education in basic knowledge and skills; 2) stimulate diversified interests; 3) assist students in making intelligent decisions concerning their future; 4) meet the various individual needs of the students; 5) provide satisfactory developmental social experiences; and 6) provide a gradual transition from preadolescent education to learning experiences suited to the needs and interests of adolescents.

Information for Families

The purpose of this program of study is to provide information to both students and parents concerning the curricular and co-curricular offerings of the seventh and eighth grade years at Oakwood Junior High School.

Although many of the seventh and eighth grade courses are required for all students, opportunities for selecting a variety of elective subjects are available. Families play an important role in guiding their seventh or eighth grader toward a strategic selection of these courses. School personnel are ready to assist the student and his or her family as they make these important decisions.

The School Counselor is available to answer any questions you might have which are not adequately addressed by this bulletin. We invite you to contact the School Counselor (937-297-5328) with any concerns that you have about the program of studies or registration for classes.

Table of Contents

You can scroll down through this online version of the Program of Study or click on the topics in the Table of Contents and go directly to that topic.

Course Load

The seventh and eighth grade program operates within a seven period day, thus providing thirty-five periods per week in which to schedule both required and elective courses.

Junior high classes are offered in five different formats:  full year, quarter, semester, two days per week for a semester, and two to three days per week for a full year.  The full-year class meets one period every day for the entire school year, a quarter course meets one period every day for nine weeks, and the two or three day-per-week classes meet two or three periods per week for a semester or the entire school year.  The combination of these five types of classes gives students the flexibility to choose from a variety of courses during their two years of junior high school.

Honors Courses

Honors classes offered include Math 7H, Honors Algebra I, Geometry H, English 7H, and English 8H.

Factors used in selecting students for these classes include standardized achievement test scores, previous grades in the subject, general academic performance and teacher recommendations.  Primary emphasis is on enrichment in the English course and on vertical content acceleration in the Mathematics courses. Placement in these groups is not static from year to year, but there are specific summer requirements for students wishing to move from non-honors to honors in either area. For more information on these requirements, please contact the School Counselor at 297-5328.

Specialized Education Programs and Services

Oakwood Junior/Senior High School offers a continuum of program options under the umbrella of IDEA and ADA for students with special needs as outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEPs) or 504 Plans.  All students with disabilities are included in general education classes as much as appropriate.  The OJH/OHS Intervention Specialists may lend their expertise in the writing of a 504 Plan for a student with a medical recommendation and may collaborate with the assembled team on determining appropriate accommodations.  Intervention Specialists do not provide individualized instruction to a student on a 504 Plan. Intervention Specialists serve in several capacities for identified students on an IEP:  as a coordinator for vocational training within the community, as resource room teachers to provide direct instruction to qualifying students, and as collaborative teachers present with a general educator in the classroom providing necessary modifications and accommodations for students in the general education setting.  Supports and services for students on an IEP with identified needs are offered in the general education classroom, resource room, and through community-based learning designed to teach skills leading to adult independence. Resource classes in math, English, science, social studies, and academic transitions, are available for students with IEPs.  Academic transitions instruction is provided through a Transitions Learning Center, a semester class where students can earn a .5 elective credit.  Class instruction focuses on one’s transition goals outlined in his/her IEP to include:  identifying learning styles, study skills, organizational strategies, memory skills strategies, goal setting, beginning the career assessment process, etc.  Students will also be given the opportunity to complete homework, and study for tests/quizzes.

Speech and language services, hearing intervention services, vision intervention services, orientation and mobility services, adaptive physical education, physical therapy and occupational therapy are also available for students with identified needs.  In addition, oral interpreters and aides assist students when appropriate.  Support services that best meet the needs of limited English proficient (LEP) students are available to English Learner (EL) students whose primary or home language is other than English who need special language assistance in order to effectively participate in school instructional programs.  Students must be evaluated and qualify as limited English proficient (LEP) and needing special language help and services through an assessment process.   Upon enrollment, families complete a Home Language Survey.  Students whose home language is other than English are assessed by the English as a Second Language (SL) Instructor.  Results are shared with families, and EL support is offered if the student qualifies.  For more information concerning special education programs and services, contact our Special Education Supervisor at 937-297-7803.

Gifted Identification and Services

The Oakwood Board of Education has adopted a policy, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3324.01-3324.07 and Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-15, for identifying children who are gifted. The state mandates that all students have the opportunity to be assessed for possible "giftedness" based on the state's specific definition of giftedness, which follows:   

Students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment and who are identified in the areas of superior cognitive ability, specific academic ability (math, science, social studies, reading/writing), creative thinking ability, and/or visual/performing arts ability (visual arts, music, dance, drama).

The district uses an approach of assessment and identification to identify students who perform, or show potential for performing, at high levels of accomplishment in these domains. To be identified as "gifted" a student must achieve the requisite cutoff score on an assessment instrument authorized by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), which sets cutoff scores.  Children may participate in either whole-grade assessment or referral-based assessment. Whole-grade level assessment occurs at grades 2, 4, and 6 in Oakwood City School District. For referral-based assessment, children may be referred for possible gifted identification on an ongoing basis based upon child request (self-referral), teacher recommendation, parent/guardian request, child referral of peer, or other referral. Referral forms are available on the Oakwood website under the gifted department.

While the State of Ohio requires that students have the opportunity to be assessed for giftedness, it does not require districts to provide services for students who are identified as gifted. Through local tax dollars, Oakwood employs three (3) Gifted Intervention Specialists (GIS) who assist teachers at Lange, Harman, Smith, and the Junior/Senior High Schools in working with students identified as gifted.

The gifted services revolve around instructional activities for students who have been identified in each of the four domains of giftedness defined by the state of Ohio. The district ensures equal opportunity for all students identified as gifted to receive services offered by the district. Additionally, students who participate in gifted services are guided by the development and implementation of Written Education Plans (WEPs) that document student data, goals, and progress.   Differentiated instruction in the classroom is the linchpin of the program. Differentiated instruction requires modifying process, content, or product according to student need, readiness, and interest, and it is often performed in consultation with the Gifted Intervention Specialist.  Our instructional program at all levels continues to evolve in order to meet the needs of our learners, and annually revised gifted services matrices are available from the Gifted Intervention Specialists.

At the secondary level, we offer services to students identified as gifted through curricular offerings, including enrichment electives, honors and Advanced Placement courses, cluster-grouping, co-teaching models, and educational options. For more information regarding this program, contact the Gifted Intervention Specialist at 937-297-5328.

Library Media Center

The mission of the Library Media Center (LMC) is to encourage students to be responsible and ethical information users by providing instruction and equitable access to information and technology in order to prepare them for the post-secondary world. The library media program also strives to promote reading by maintaining a current and diverse collection that reflects students’ curriculum needs and interests. The LMC endeavors to meet the needs of students and staff by affording the following: professional, fiction, nonfiction, and ebooks that supplement the curriculum; databases for research; laptops for drop-in use and daytime checkout; information literacy instruction; events to promote reading for pleasure; and assistance with technology and multimedia.

Families should be aware that the collection is shared amongst the Junior and Senior High. There are some materials that are appropriate for seventh graders and some materials that are appropriate for seniors. The decision to purchase particular books is not made lightly, and there is a process for determining which books should be purchased for both junior high and senior high students. This process includes curriculum needs, award-winning titles, diversity, and student and staff suggestions. Families are encouraged to monitor their students’ reading materials and contact the library media specialist with any questions or concerns about their students’ selections.

Hours of Operation:  8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (check calendar outside LMC for occasional closings)

Attendance Procedure: Students should sign in to the LMC upon arrival and sign out when leaving on the Google form.

Borrowing Procedures: Students may borrow up to 10 items at a time. Most materials circulate for three weeks and may be renewed up to three times each by bringing the materials to the LMC. Fines will only be charged for overdue equipment and reference items at a rate of $0.25 per school day.  

Behavioral Expectations: Students should visit the LMC with an academic purpose: studying, reading, researching, checking out or returning a book, etc. Students who misuse the facility or its resources may have their use of the facility limited, according to the established guidelines.

Math Pathways

  • Successful completion (grade of A or B) of an online Math 8 course is required for transfer to the honors pathway after Math 7.
  • Students moving from Honors Algebra I to College Prep will be placed into Geometry.
  • Summer college precalculus course would be taken at UD, WSU, Sinclair, or an approved online course.
  • A grade of A or B is necessary to move forward in Honors courses. Students with a grade of C in the previous course must secure teacher approval before enrolling in an Honors course. Students earning a grade of D or F in a prerequisite course may not enroll in Honors or AP courses.

 

The Mathematics Department believes that it is best for students to take one year of math per year and to master the concepts as they go.  However, for students on the below left pathway that want to accelerate so that they can take a calculus course in high school, the best options are:

1.  Following Math 7, take the online summer program “TRECA,” and after successful completion, take Algebra 1 Honors the following school year.

2.  Following Algebra I, take Geometry and Algebra II concurrently during 10th grade.

Image of the Math Flowchart rev 2024

Core Requirements

The State of Ohio often revises the requirements for high school graduation. Depending upon courses taken, junior high students may take courses that meet high school requirements. Examples of such courses include Algebra I, Geometry, Spanish 8, and French 8, each of which is also included in high school GPA. For additional information about current graduation requirements, please reference Oakwood High School's program of study.

Peer Tutoring

Peer tutoring is available to students who may need extra academic help in a class. OHS National Honor Society students tutor other students in grades Kindergarten through twelve.  There is no charge for the student receiving tutoring. For more information about this program, contact the School Counselor through the Junior High Office (297-5328).

Required Curriculum

SEVENTH Grade Program

Required Common Curriculum
Early World History: Meets 5 periods per week

English: Meets 5 periods per week
Gateway 7 Design and Modeling: Meets 1 quarter per year
Mathematics: Meets 5 periods per week
Personal Finance: Meets 1 quarter per year
Physical Education & Health:  Meets 1 semester per year
Reading and Writing Connections: Meets 1 quarter per year
Science: Meets 5 periods per week

Required:  At least one from this cluster:
Drawing and Painting I:  Meets 1 quarter per year
Sculpture I:  Meets 1 quarter per year

Required:  At least one from this cluster:
A Cappella Choir: 
Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.
Band 7: 
Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.
Choir: 
Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.
Intro to Guitar:  Meets 1 quarter per year
Music History:  Rock and Roll:  Meets 1 quarter per year
Orchestra: 
Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.

Electives
A Cappella: Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.
Beginning Robotics I: Meets 1 quarter per year
Beginning Robotics II: Meets 1 quarter per year  
Critical Thinking: Meets 1 quarter per year

Directed Study Hall
Drama 101 - Meets 1 quarter per year
Drama 102 - Meets 1 quarter per year

Drawing and Painting I: Meets 1 quarter per year
Drawing and Painting II: Meets 1 quarter per year

French: Meets 5 periods per week for one semester
History on Display: Meets 1 quarter per year
Home Improvement: Meets 1 quarter per year
Intro to FCS: Meets 1 quarter per year
Investing 101: Meets 1 quarter per year

Jazz Band: Meets 2 periods per week during Zero Period
Junior High Yearbook: Meets 1 quarter per year
Principles of Food: Meets 1 quarter per year

Sculpture I: Meets 1 quarter per year
Sculpture II: Meets 1 quarter per year

Self Care 101: Meets 1 quarter per year
Spanish: Meets 5 periods per week for one semester

STEM Exploration I: Meets 1 quarter per year
STEM Exploration II: Meets 1 quarter per year

Transitions and Careers: Meets 1 quarter per year
Video Production: Meets 1 quarter per year

Eighth Grade Program

Required Common Curriculum
Composition & Communication: Meets 2 quarters per year
Early American History: Meets 5 periods per week
English: Meets 5 periods per week
Gateway to Technology 8: Meets 1 quarter per year
Mathematics: Meets 5 periods per week
Physical Education & Health:  Meets 1 semester per year
Science: Meets 5 periods per week

Electives
A Cappella: Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.
Band 8: 
Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.
Basic Programming Skills: Meets 1 quarter per year
Beginning Robotics I: Meets 1 quarter per year
Beginning Robotics II: Meets 1 quarter per year  
Choir:
Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.
Computer Science: Meets 1 quarter per year
Critical Thinking: Meets 1 quarter per year

Directed Study Hall
Drama 101 - Meets 1 quarter per year
Drama 102 - Meets 1 quarter per year
Drawing and Painting I: Meets 1 quarter per year
Drawing and Painting II: Meets 1 quarter per year
French: Meets 5 periods per week all year
History on Display: Meets 1 quarter per year  
Home Improvement: Meets 1 quarter per year

Intro to FCS: Meets 1 quarter per year
Intro to Guitar: Meets 1 quarter per year
Investing 101: Meets 1 quarter per year
Jazz Band: Meets 2 periods per week during “0” Period
Junior High Yearbook: Meets 1 quarter per year
Music History: Rock and Roll: Meets 1 quarter per year
Orchestra: 
Meets 5 periods per week for 2 Qts.
Principles of Food: Meets 1 quarter per year
Sculpture I: Meets 1 quarter per year
Sculpture II: Meets 1 quarter per year 

Self Care 101: Meets 1 quarter per year
Spanish: Meets 5 periods per week all year

STEM Exploration I: Meets 1 quarter per year
STEM Exploration II: Meets 1 quarter per year

Transitions and Careers: Meets 1 quarter per year
Video Production: Meets 1 quarter per year

Course Descriptions

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

World

Fine Arts

Other Required Courses

General Elective Courses

Co-Curricular Activities