Learn How Some Texas Middle Schools Use Weighted Funding CTE Courses to Support Reading and Writing

For educators of middle school students, there’s no denying the importance of reading and writing for student success. It is also clear that students can’t be expected to only read, write, and think, in their English Language Arts class, and show the growth that is needed. This blog will share how you can use required CTE courses for all 7th and 8th graders, see huge improvement in reading and writing, receive weighted funding, and meet the needs of students

7th Grade

Seventh grade is the time in young people’s lives where they need SEL more than ever! They need to learn to discuss topics, support their claims with evidence, and disagree appropriately. Some schools have a required course for all 7th graders tied to the high school credit Principles of Community.  They use ThinkCERCA Reading and Writing lessons on topics such as Bullying, Character Choices, Perseverance, Developing a Purpose, and Overcoming Obstacles to supplement their curriculum. Students get the reading and writing practice in classes outside English Language Arts and a high school credit. They have fun exploring topics of interest. 

8th Grade

Eighth grade students are preparing for high school and beyond. The schools require all students to take a College and Career Class which is tied to Professional Communications. They learn about the high school Endorsements in Texas by exploring STEM, Business & Industry, Public Service, and Arts & Humanities with ThinkCERCA reading and writing lessons. They also use the ACT and SAT prep provided by ThinkCERCA. They use their required technology activities by using PowerPoint, spreadsheets, etc. to work on their presentations to go along with their topics. At the end of the year students have the opportunity to take the TSIA to become Dual Credit eligible in the state of Texas! The reading and writing lessons in ThinkCERCA have led to huge increases in dual credit eligible students.

Partnering with ThinkCERCA in these middle school courses is a WIN, WIN, WIN! Students win by learning about necessary topics in a fun class and earn high school credit. Schools win by improving reading and writing scores and having more students dual credit eligible. Districts win by having required middle school courses that earn weighted funding. 

To learn more about this, contact Elizabeth Lalor at elizabeth.lalor@thinkcerca.com