1. MOUNTAIN BROOK JUNIOR HIGH
205 OVERBROOK ROAD
MOUNTAIN BROOK, ALABAMA 35213
OFFICE: 871-3516 GUIDANCE OFFICE: 877-8346
All students in 7th grade will be enrolled in the following courses: English, social studies, math, science, physical
education, elective and lunch.
DESCRIPTION OF COURSES
For all advanced and accelerated classes, the student must maintain a minimum average of 74 to remain in
the class.
ENGLISH
English 7
This course is the level taken by the majority of students entering 7th grade. It provides for the study of writing,
grammar, vocabulary, and literature. Students focus on the four modes of writing: expository, descriptive,
narrative, and persuasive. The theme throughout 7th grade is “Identity,” with much of the literature relating to
this theme. Selected novels are used to enhance the curriculum beyond the textbook provided.
English 7 Advanced
This is an advanced course for students, where multiple criteria is reviewed for placement: SAT X scores,
OLSAT score, ARMT Reading score, 1st semester English average, and portfolio essay and reader’s response
scores. This course is designed to move at an accelerated pace. The curriculum provides for the study of
grammar, literary analysis, and formal essay writing. Students focus on the four modes of writing: expository,
descriptive, narrative, and persuasive. The theme throughout 7th grade is “Identity,” with much of the literature
relating to this theme. The course content is similar to that of the regular course, but the reading and
composition require more independent thought and intellectual maturity. Recommendation made by school
Foundational English 7
This course is designed for students with an IEP, who have significant weaknesses in reading, writing, and/or
grammar skills. This course meets the minimum state requirements for 7th grade English with an emphasis on
reading skills. Students practice the four modes of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive.
The theme throughout 7th grade is “Identity,” with much of the literature relating to this theme. Selected novels
are used to enhance the curriculum beyond the textbook provided. Placement made by school
MATH
Math 7
This is the first year of a two-year course in pre-algebra. The curriculum addresses numerous mathematical
concepts such as: rational number operations, one and two step equations, geometric relationships among two
and three dimensional objects, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Students completing this course
will take the second year of pre-algebra as 8th graders.
Pre-Algebra 7
This is a 90 minute accelerated course for motivated students who desire the opportunity to take algebra in the
8th grade, but do not meet the criteria for placement into Advanced Pre-Algebra 7. Students in this course
attending school from 8:00-3:00 will not have a study hall. However, this course will be offered from 7:30-9:00
for students who wish to have a regular L/S. This course will cover integer operations, the second half of the 7th
grade math curriculum, and the full year of the 8th grade pre-algebra curriculum. Students successfully
completing this course will be considered for placement into Algebra 1 as 8th graders. Grades earned in 8th grade
Algebra 1 will count towards a students’ high school grade point average (GPA) which is an important
component for college acceptance.
Updated: 2/10/2011

2. Pre-Algebra 7 Advanced
This is an advanced course which encompasses the second semester curriculum for 7th grade pre-algebra and the
full year of the 8th grade pre-algebra curriculum. It is designed for mathematically-inclined students who meet
the following minimum requirements: committee recommendation, 92 average in the first semester of 6th grade
Advanced Math, 95th percentile on the Stanford 10 Achievement test in total math and reading comprehension,
an OLSAT score of 130, and the following minimum scores on the placement test for 7th grade math: problem
solving 8/10, computation 54/61, and 80% on the Pythagorean Theorem test. Students who do not maintain a
74 average in this course will be placed into a 90 minute pre-algebra class. Students successfully completing
this course will take Algebra I or Advanced Algebra I as 8th graders, which will count towards students’ high
school grade point average (GPA). Recommendation made by school
Basic Math 7
This is a 90 minute class designed for students who have weaknesses in mathematical skills. Students will have
approximately 30 minutes of remediation in math skills every day to provide them with a stronger foundation
for future math classes. In addition, the Math 7 curriculum is taught at a slower pace and the concepts are not
developed as extensively as in the regular Math 7 course. The content addresses numerous mathematical
concepts such as: rational number operations, one and two step equations, geometric relationships among two
and three dimensional objects, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Students in this course attending
school from 8:00-3:00 will not have a study hall. However, this course will be offered from 7:30-9:00 for
students who wish to have a regular L/S. Recommendation made by school
Foundational Math 7
This course is designed for students with an IEP, who are working more than a year below grade level. These
concepts consist of the following: number theory, basic numerical operations, fractions, geometry,
measurement, and money. The work is modified and does not fully prepare a student for regular level math
courses in the future. Placement made by school
SCIENCE
Science 7
This course focuses on life science. Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the importance of
diversity of life, while simultaneously understanding the impact of their roles as individuals in the community of
life. Some areas of study include the characteristics of living things, functions of organelles, tissues and organs
of various systems in the body, function of chromosomes, and Mendel’s laws of genetics. The focus of this
course prepares students for biology and other life science courses taken in high school. Students are involved in
laboratory experiments for a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Foundational Science 7
This course is designed for students with an IEP, who have significant academic weaknesses. It is based on the
minimum state requirements for 7th grade science. This course focuses on life science. Some areas of study are
the characteristics of living things, functions of organelles, tissues and organs of various systems in the body,
function of chromosomes, and Mendel’s laws of genetics. Students are involved in laboratory experiments for a
deeper understanding of the concepts. Placement made by school
SOCIAL STUDIES
Geography/ Civics
This course includes one semester of geography and one semester of civics/citizenship. During the semester of
geography, students increase their knowledge of the physical nature of the world and of the relationships
between people and their environments. They also study geography in the context of economics, politics, and
culture. The curriculum focuses on the cultural geography of the Eastern Hemisphere. During the semester of
civics, students explore the role of citizens in the United States. The curriculum addresses representative
democracy, law, personal economics, and civil responsibility.
2

3. Foundational Geography/Civics
This course is designed for students with an IEP, who have significant academic weaknesses. It is based on the
minimum state requirements for 7th grade civics and geography. Students will explore the role of citizens in the
United States. The curriculum addresses representative democracy, law, personal economics, and civil
responsibility. They also study geography in the context of economics, politics, and culture. This year-long
course supports the study of World History I in the eighth. Placement made by school
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
According to the Code of Alabama, 16-40-1, daily physical education is required in Grades K-8. No exceptions
and no substitutions.
P.E. Boys/P.E. Girls
This course provides participation in a variety of team and individual sports with an emphasis on developing
sports skills. Fitness and health principles are also incorporated into the curriculum to build a foundation for
lifetime fitness. Regulation gym suits are required and students will be assigned P.E. lockers.
P.E. Co-ed
This co-ed course provides participation in a variety of team and individual sports with an emphasis on
developing sports skills. Fitness and Health principles are also incorporated into the curriculum to build a
foundation for lifetime fitness. Regulation gym suits are required and students will be assigned P.E. lockers.
This class will meet from 7:15 AM to 7:50 AM daily.
P.E. Adaptive
This PE course is offered for students with physical limitations. It provides participation in a variety of team and
individual sports with individual accommodations made as they are stated in the student’s IEP. Fitness and
Health principles are incorporated into the curriculum to build a foundation for lifetime fitness. Regulation gym
suits are required and students will be assigned P.E. lockers. Recommendation required.
P.E./ Lunch
In this course students participate in PE for 40 minutes and have 20 minutes for lunch.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Foreign Languages are considered an academic elective. If a student chooses to enroll in a Foreign
Language, he or she may not enroll in another elective, unless he/she enrolls in Co-ed PE at 7:15 AM.
French Immersion
This course creates an authentic French-speaking environment in the classroom and provides real-life contexts
and everyday situations in which to communicate in French. Upon successful completion of this course, most
students take Advanced French I.
Latin I-A
Latin I-A is the first half of a traditional first year Latin course. This course is followed with Latin I-B in the 8th
grade. Students who complete Latin I-A AND I-B will have completed one year of a Foreign Language credit.
The Latin I-B average will count towards students’ high school grade point average (GPA).
Spanish I-A
Spanish 1-A is the first half of a traditional first year Spanish course. This course is followed with Spanish I-B
in the 8th grade. Students who complete Spanish I-A AND I-B will have completed one year of a Foreign
Language credit. The Spanish I-B average will count towards students’ high school grade point average (GPA).
3

4. YEARLY ELECTIVES
Academic Skills 7
This course is designed for students who need assistance in academic, organizational, and time management
skills, and addresses the academic needs of the student. For maximum success, parents, students, and academic
support teachers work together as a team. Recommendation is determined by a student’s grades and teacher
recommendations as to a student’s overall needs. Students are re-evaluated at the end of each grading period to
determine eligibility. Per teacher recommendation and a Student Based Student Support Team decision,
students achieving A’s and B’s will be automatically removed and placed into another elective for second
semester. Recommendation required.
Beginning Band
This course is designed for the beginning instrumental music student. Students will learn to produce sounds
characteristic of the instrument and demonstrate the components essential to the production of characteristic
tones. Students become well versed in the ability to count and sight-read rhythms. Participation in all
performances is required.
Band, Concert
This is an intermediate-level band course designed for students with one or more years experience in band.
Students widen their range of dynamics and the range at which they achieve a characteristic sound. Additional
scales and rudiments are mastered, facilitating the ability to play in a wide variety of keys. Concert Band
performs regularly at concerts, competitive music festivals, and selected pep rallies and athletic events.
Participation in all performances is required.
Choir JH Year
This course is designed for students who are eager to explore choral music instruction. Emphasis is placed on
the fundamentals of singing. They are exposed to various musical styles and cultures. The MBJH Choir is a
performing group. Participation in performances is required.
Resource Lab 7
This course is designed to provide academic and organizational assistance to students as specified in their IEP.
Students, parents and special education teachers work as a team to address the academic needs of the student.
Time is used to support students by preparing for tests, working on homework, and reinforcing skills that are
presented in the core academic subject classrooms. Recommendation required.
SEMESTER ELECTIVES
Creative Writing JH
This course is designed for 7th-9th graders who enjoy writing and desire the opportunity to write poetry, short
stories, advertisements, personal narratives, and reviews. Students will use the writing process to define personal
writing styles.
Drama Intro
This course is designed for 7th-9th graders who want to perform on stage. Students participate in a one-act play, a
dramatic duo acting team, and an original play that is presented at the end of the semester. This class also
includes the technical side of theater, such as lighting and sound, costuming and makeup, set design, and
directing. Students are required to participate in one or two performance(s) outside of the school day. These
date(s) and times will be announced in advance.
4

5. Junior United Nations Assembly
This course is designed to give students valuable experience and confidence in a variety of communication
skills. Students use research to write proposals and defend positions of a country at the Alabama Junior United
Nations Assembly (JUNA). Students engage in public speaking and group communication activities. Students
have JUNA/lunch in order to prepare and practice for the assembly during 2nd semester. Students are selected
for this class through an application process. Please go to the MBJH website for further application
information.
Rotating Elective Program- Fine Arts
This is an exploratory course that exposes students to electives that may be taken at a more in-depth level in the
8th and 9th grades. The Fine Arts REP consists of two introductory courses: Speech/Drama/Debate, and Art. In
Speech/Drama/Debate students develop confidence by engaging in public speaking, group communication
activities, drama, and debate. In the Art class students are introduced to art by creating original works of art
using a variety of media.
Rotating Elective Program- Technology
This is a semester long exploratory course that exposes students to two electives that may be taken at a more in-
depth level in the 8th and 9th grades. The technology REP consists of two introductory courses: Career
Explorations and Computer Essentials. In Career Explorations students study the history of Flight Aviation
involving the construction of a balsa/paper rubber band powered airplane, NASA and the construction of an
ESTES model rocket, and engineering and the construction of and balsa wooden bridge. In Computer Essentials
students will create a webpage and work in Word, Excel, and ACCESS to understand how they can use these
skills in the world today.
LUNCH PERIODS
Lunch/Study
Students eat lunch for half of the period and attend a supervised study hall for the other half of the period.
Lunch/Band 7
Students eat lunch for half of the period and participate in band for the other half of the period. Students must be
enrolled in band to participate in this class.
Lunch/Choir 7
Students eat lunch for half of the period and attend choir the other half. A student does not need to be enrolled in
choir to participate in this class.
Lunch/JUNA 7
This course divides class time between lunch and an additional JUNA time as needed. Once the assembly has
met, students will have study hall. Students enrolled in JUNA are required to take this class, instead of
Lunch/Study.
Lunch /Resource Lab
Students eat lunch for half of the period and receive minimal academic and organizational assistance as per
student’s IEP goals the other half of the period. Recommendation required.
Statement of Non-discrimination
It is the policy of the Mountain Brook Schools that no person within the district shall be excluded from participation in, denied the
benefits of, or subject to discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability or age in any program, activity,
or employment practice. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dr.
Dale Wisely, Director of Students Services, 32 Vine Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213, 205-877-8349.
5

6. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS for the classes of 2013 and 2014
ADVANCED DIPLOMA With Honors
COURSE GROUP (Units COURSE TITLE COURSE UNIT VALUE
Required for Graduation)
English (4) English (9-12) 1 unit/course
4 units total
Mathematics (4 of the Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with Trig, Probability and 1 unit/course
following)* Statistics, Pre-calculus, or Calculus 4 units total
Science (4) 4 Courses from Group 1 1 unit/course
(Biology and either Chemistry or Physics are required.) 4 units total
Social Studies (4) World History, U.S. History to 1877, U.S. History 1877 to 1 unit/course
the Present, Government & Economics 4 units total
Foreign Language (3)* French, Latin, Spanish 1 unit/course
3 units total (same language)
Physical Education/LIFE Physical Education/LIFE(MBHS) 1 unit/course
(MBHS)(1)**
Health Education (0.5) Health with online experience 0.5 units total
Fine Arts (0.5) Any Fine Arts offering 0.5 units total
Electives (3) Various selections 3 units total
Technology Proficiency Demonstrated through passing of Technology Test or by 0 unit for passing test
taking Computer Applications* or Business Technology .5 units for Comp App or
Business Tech
Total 24
ADVANCED DIPLOMA
COURSE GROUP (Units COURSE TITLE COURSE UNIT VALUE
Required for Graduation)
English (4) English (9-12) 1 unit/course
4 units total
Mathematics (4)* Algebra I-A, Algebra I-B, Geometry, and Algebra II with 1 unit/course
Trig OR 4 units total
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebraic Connections, and Algebra
II with Trig OR
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with Trig, Probability and
Statistics, Pre-calculus, or Calculus
Science (4) 3 Courses from Group I and 1 from either Group I or II 1 unit/course
(Biology and either Chemistry or Physics are required). 4 units total
Social Studies (4) World History, U.S. History to 1877, U.S. History 1877 to 1 unit/course
the Present, Government & Economics 4 units total
Foreign Language (2)* French, Latin, Spanish 1 unit/course
2 units total (same language)
Physical Education/LIFE Physical Education/LIFE(MBHS) 1 unit/course
(MBHS)(1)**
Health Education (0.5) Health with online experience 0.5 units total
Fine Arts (0.5) Any Fine Arts offering 0.5 units total
Electives (4) Various selections 4 units total
Technology Proficiency Demonstrated through passing of Technology Test or by 0 unit for passing test
taking Computer Applications*or Business Technology .5 units for Comp App or
Business Tech
Total 24
6

7. STANDARD DIPLOMA
COURSE GROUP (Units Course Title Course Unit Value
Required for Graduation)
English (4) English (9-12) 1 unit/course 4 units total
Mathematics (4) Any four maths, including Algebra I and Geometry 1 unit/course
The Algebra I credit may be fulfilled by taking 4 units total
Algebra I-A and Algebra I-B
Science (4) Any four sciences including Biology and Physical Science, 1 unit/course
Chemistry, or Physics 4 units total
Social Studies (4) World History, U.S. History to 1877, U.S. History 1877 to the 1 unit/course
Present, Government & Economics 4 units total
Physical Education/LIFE Physical Education/LIFE 1 unit/course
(MBHS) (1)** (MBHS)
Health Education (0.5) Health with online experience 0.5 units total
Fine Arts (0.5) Any Fine Arts offering 0.5 units total
Electives (6) Various selections 6 units total
Technology Proficiency Demonstrated through passing of Technology Test or by taking 0 unit for passing test
Computer Applications * or Business Technology .5 units for Comp App or Bus. Tech
Total 24
Students may take courses at the regular, advanced, and/or AP level in order to receive any of the above diplomas. Additionally, students must
pass all 5 areas of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.
*Both grade and credit for Algebra I, Level 1 of a foreign language, and/or Computer Applications taken in the 8 th grade will appear on the
student’s high school transcript. These courses will count toward the 24 credits required for graduation and will be used in computing class rank
and GPA.
**PE/Life Waiver: This course can be waived if students fulfill the course requirements through participation in school athletic teams, marching
band, or selected performing vocal groups in 10 th grade.
Science Courses - GROUP I: Biology, Adv. Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Adv. Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Chemistry II, Adv.
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Physics, AP Physics B, AP Physics C
GROUP II: Environmental Science, Marine Science, Physical Science, Forensic Science, Earth and Space Science
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA with Credit-Based Endorsement
To earn this endorsement, students must have passed three of the five subtests on the Alabama High School Graduation Exam including reading, math, and
one of the science, language, or social studies subject-area tests. Eligible students shall complete the required credits for a diploma and continue to take the
AHSGE each time offered.
ALABAMA OCCUPATIONAL DIPLOMA
The Alabama Occupational Diploma (AOD) course of study is designed for students with disabilities (as defined by the IDEA) with the expected outcome
of independent, competitive employment. Students with disabilities obtain the Alabama Occupational Diploma by earning the required AOD course
credits and completing the AOD portfolio. The Alabama Occupational Diploma courses of study may be implemented in any Least Restrictive
Environment deemed appropriate by the IEP Team. Students may earn the course credits for the AOD through general education courses or occupational
diploma courses.
COURSE GROUP (Units Req. for Grad.) COURSE TITLE COURSE UNIT VALUE
English (4) Life Skills English I, II, III & IV or gen. ed. courses 1 unit/course/4 units total
Mathematics (4) Essential Mathematics I & II and Algebraic Explorations 1 unit/course/4 units total
I & II or general education courses
Science (4) Life Skills Science I, II, and III; Science Connection IV 1 unit/course/4 units total
or general education courses
Social Studies (4) World History for Living II 1 unit/course
United States History for Living I & II, Economics for
Living, and United States Government for Living or 4 units total
general education courses
Career/Technical Education (2) 2 units total
Career Cooperative Education (1) 1 unit total/1 unit total
Coordinated Studies or Transition (1)
Health Education (.5) Health with online experience 0.5 units total
Physical Education /LIFE(MBHS) (1)** Physical Education/LIFE(MBHS) 1 unit total
Fine Arts (0.5) Any Fine Arts courses 0.5 units total
Electives (2) P.E, career/technical education, driver education…. 2 units total
Total 24
7

8. MATH FLOW CHART Fifth Grade Math
10/10
6th Grade 6th Grade
Advanced Math
Math
Advanced Pre-alg Math Basic
Pre-alg. 7 7 Math 7
7
Advanced Algebra Pre- Basic
8th Algebra I I Pre-Algebra
Algebra 8
8
9th Advanced Geometry Algebra I Algebra
Geometry I-A
Advanced
10th Algebra II Algebra II Algebraic Algebra
with Trig with Trig Connections Geometry I-B
Advanced Probability and Advanced Algebra II Algebraic Geometry or
11th Pre-calculus Statistics Algebra II with Trig Connections Essential
Pre- with Trig Geometry
Calculus
AP Probability and Algebra Algebraic
12th Calculus Statistics Algebra II
Calculus Advanced II with Connections
Pre-calculus
Pre- Trig
calculus

9. Science Curriculum Flowchart
Grades 9-12 with Math Requirements
(See Course Selection Guide for specific requirements/prerequisites.)
12th Grade
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology Environmental Science
Environmental Science Earth & Space Science
Forensic Science Forensic Science
Marine Science Marine Science
Earth & Space Science Physics2 (B
Physical Science
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology Environmental Science
Earth & Space Science
Chemistry1
Forensic Science
Marine Science
Physics2
Chemistry II2
AP Environmental Science
Chemistry1
Anatomy & Physiology Anatomy & Physiology
Adv Anatomy & Physiology Adv Anatomy & Physiology
AP Biology5 AP Biology5
AP Chemistry 3 AP Chemistry 3
Chemistry II2 AP Environmental Science
Environmental Science Chemistry II2
Adv Biology Earth & Space Science Environmental Science
Forensic Science Earth & Space Science
Marine Science Forensic Science
Physics2 Marine Science
AP Physics B3 or C4 Physics2
AP Physics B3 or C4
Adv Chemistry2
Math Requirements Group 1 Group 2
1
Completed Algebra I Anatomy & Physiology Physical Science
2
Completed or concurrently enrolled in Algebra II w/Trig All Chemistry Earth & Space Science
3
Completed or concurrently enrolled in Pre-calculus Biology Environmental Science
4
Completed or concurrently enrolled in AP Calculus B/C Physics Forensic Science
5
Strong math background required All ADV & AP classes Marine Science

10. Updated: 2/10/2011 4:51:24 PM