Balanced literacy continues to be the philosophy that promotes the integration of communication, reading, writing, and research in this seventh-grade course. Students further develop their listening and oral communication skills in a variety of settings. Reading and writing continue to be taught through the Reading and Writing Workshops, which allow students to be engaged in individual, small group, and whole class exploration of authentic literature. Opportunities are provided to participate in genre studies, author studies, and thematic units. In seventh grade, students plan, draft, revise, and edit writing in a variety of forms with an emphasis on expository and persuasive writing. These experiences prepare students for the reading Virginia SOL exam.