Courses & Grading
Courses & Curriculum
Our Curriculum at Dana Middle School
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At Dana Middle School, our courses for grades 6-8 are designed to follow the Common Core Standards in English, History, Science, Math, and Physical Education, providing a strong academic foundation for all students.
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In our STEAM program, students go beyond traditional learning with Project-Based Learning (PBL) Days every Tuesday. These hands-on projects integrate core subjects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in meaningful and creative ways. By interweaving academic standards across disciplines, we provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation.
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We also offer Honors courses in English and Advanced Math pathways, allowing students to challenge themselves academically. Students on an accelerated math track have the opportunity to complete Algebra 1 and Geometry during middle school, preparing them for higher-level coursework in high school and beyond.
Our approach ensures that students are not only mastering essential skills but also developing a deeper understanding of how subjects connect to real-world applications.
Mastery Grading
At Dana Middle School, we use a Mastery-Based Grading system to assess student learning in a way that prioritizes growth, understanding, and skill development. Unlike traditional grading, which averages scores over time, mastery grading focuses on what students know and can do by the end of a learning period.
This approach benefits students by:
✅ Encouraging a growth mindset, allowing them to improve and demonstrate mastery over time.
✅ Providing clear feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
✅ Focusing on learning over letter grades, ensuring students fully grasp key concepts.
✅ Allowing for multiple opportunities to show mastery, reducing stress and promoting deeper understanding.
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With mastery grading, our goal is to create a fair, transparent, and student-centered learning environment that prepares students for future success by valuing progress and perseverance.