Social Issues Course Description:


Washington Middle School requires that all sixth graders take one period of PE/Health/Social Issues. Your son-daughter will be taking this series during 3rd or 4th period for the entire 2007-2008 school year. Twenty-four weeks will be spent in a Physical Education Class and six weeks will be spent in a Health Class. The other six weeks of the school year will be spent in the Social Issues classes. The Social Issues class has been designed to assist adolescents develop skills in the areas of communication, personal safety and influences of the media. Our theory is that if we can teach students to be successful in these areas our sixth graders will have an easier adjustment to middle school and adolescence. This class is a mix of group discussions and technology infused projects related to the units listed below. Software used includes Microsoft Office, Inspiration, I-movie and Adobe PhotoShop Elements. The following is an overview of the three units that will be taught during this six-week course:

Media Influence
• How hidden messages in advertising influence us in subtle ways.
• Finding examples of sneaky advertising techniques on the internet.
• Eating disorders and media influence.
• Violence and media influence.
• How advertisers use digital enhancement to create unrealistic role models.

Communication
• Assertiveness – How to set reasonable limits with others and not be a bully or doormat.
• Personal accountability and working cooperatively in groups (activities to practice these skills).
• Issues important to WMS 6th graders. We will get direct feedback from WMS students on what they think are the important issues in their lives.

Personal Safety
• Bullying, intimidation and harassment. How the law, the school and the students handle these problem issues.
• Avoiding trouble and dangerous situations. How to anticipate problem situations and strategies to keep safe.
• Internet safety.

We have used a single gender approach to teaching this type of class for the past several years. We have found that most middle school students are more comfortable discussing social issues without the teasing and social pressure that goes on between boys and girls at this age.

The teachers are Craig Costello (WMS Counselor) and Marilyn Piper (WMS Science-Technology Teacher). Please feel free to call or e-mail Craig Costello or Marilyn Piper if you have further questions concerning the Social Issues Classes.