Academics

In the primary years, students master foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, applying skills in meaningful ways to create and share new ideas.

Project-Based Learning and the 5Cs

Children are deeply curious, full of questions about the world. We devote significant time to student-driven projects where children develop a driving question, research, and share high quality work with a public audience. They develop essential proficiencies across the 5Cs: communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and citizenship; diving deeply into one or two of these areas within a project. Students learn to think deeply, build creative confidence to try out new ideas, and expand their thinking as part of a team.

Science

We use an inquiry-based approach to science instruction, linking hands-on exploration with tools to support critical thinking. Currently, our science curriculum is under review as we align our materials with the Next Generation Science Standards.

Reading and Writing Workshop

We’re implementing Reading and Writing Workshop using the Lucy Calkins Units of Study from The Reading and Writing Project at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Reading workshop blends direct teaching and carefully selected read alouds with time for children to read and think about self-selected books. Whole class teaching includes “mini-lessons” where teachers model strategies and invite students to try new tools to advance their skills. Then, children working at their own level, reading, writing and thinking individually or with peers, and conferring with the teacher to stretch towards new levels of thinking. Benchmark goals are set for each trimester, and each child’s reading and writing journey is nurtured along the way.

Handwriting, Spelling and Word Study

Words Their Way
Phonics, Word Study, and Vocabulary lessons are the focus of this program. Students complete a pre and post assessment so that the teacher can differentiate support to target each student’s learning goals. Students work in small groups and with their teacher to practice “word work” and build skills.

Handwriting Without Tears (Grades TK-2)
This program targets handwriting for primary learners. Developed by an Occupational Therapist, this approach uses multi-sensory and hands-on learning strategies to support proper letter formation and legible and fluent handwriting.

Loops and Other Groups (Grade 3)
This program addresses Cursive Writing for grades 3 This program emphasizes practice and letter proper formation to build fluency.

Common Core Standards – English Language Arts
The Common Core Learning Standards in English Language Arts call for key shifts including:

Rich dialogue and close reading of increasingly complex texts
An emphasis on linking ideas to evidence within the text in reading, writing and speaking. Writing across three types: narrative, opinion and information K-8
Increased informational texts – By reading about the world, children build strong background knowledge and vocabulary to make sense of themes across science and social studies

Mathematics

In the 2017-2018 school year, all SCSD classrooms will implement Math in Focus K-5.

Revised_MiF2015_ResearchAndEfficacy_brochure

Math in Focus was selected for its mastery-based approach to supporting learning. During the selection process, we used criteria reflecting the key shifts of the Common Core Standards:

Focus: Deep work in grade level learning goals to build a strong foundation. In K-2, instruction focuses on concepts, skills, and problem solving using addition and subtraction. In Grades 3-5, students develop concepts, skills, and problem solving using multiplication, division and fractions.
Rigor: Challenging and engaging work to help students become powerful mathematical thinkers who can use numbers flexibly and accurately as they apply mathematical ideas to show understanding. Students learn to prove paths of thinking, justifying their solutions verbally and in writing.
Coherence: Topics and ideas are linked across grades, building understanding to support mastery. At each step, lessons progress from concrete-pictorial-abstract. Hands-on experiences and modeling are emphasized to build rich understanding.