Academics
Homeroom Reading:Reading vocabulary, comprehension, and additional fluency practice is provided to students during homeroom reading experiences on a daily basis. Literature and authentic reading opportunities are integrated into each instructional day through novels and/or Science and Humanities learning units. All homeroom teachers teach a daily Read Aloud lesson in order to promote student mastery of higher order thinking and comprehension skills such as main idea and prediction. Students apply reading skills and concepts with both fiction and nonfiction literature. Teachers also encourage and support student reading using other methods like Accelerated Reader, Drop Everything And Read (DEAR), and Peer Reading within and across grade level classes. Great Leaps, Study Island and other supportive programs are provided as needed to promote student literacy.
MathematicsAll students take an in-house math assessment at the beginning of the school year. Students study material at grade level or higher based on their performance and identified learning needs. Teachers use a mastery learning approach to teach key concepts, strategies, and problem-solving skills. Mastery learning includes frequent assessments of student performance. Students receive extra time and practice on math skills and concepts as needed. Students who have mastered the material in a lesson engage in related enrichment activities. As usual at our school, we try to ensure that students are challenged appropriately. Study Island and other support programs are used to promote student mathematical literacy.
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Flex ReadingDuring flex reading periods, basic foundation reading skills are taught Monday through Thursday. During K-2 flex reading periods, you will see reading groups working diligently on skill-appropriate levels throughout the school. Reading groups can be as small as three to a regular classroom size depending on the skills and needs of the students. The groups are very flexible. Children can move into new groups based on their performance. A student, parent/guardian, or staff member can request a reassessment of a student’s skills and flexible group placement at any time. An assessment is administered to determine if a student’s performance warrants an instructional change. If the data indicates that a student needs additional practice or challenge, a change typically is made within a couple of days.
WritingOur students begin writing in Kindergarten with building blocks appropriate to their age and skills. Students continue to build writing skills through fifth grade. Writing is integrated into all subject areas including Reading, Science and Social Studies. Students receive frequent evaluations and feedback to assist them in improving their writing. Students are taught hand printing, cursive writing, spelling, punctuation, and grammar in a manner that supports them in creating quality written products.
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Science, Social Studies and Specials
Education in Science, Social Studies and Specials is enhanced by project-based learning experiences. Project-based learning emphasizes real world applications to learning situations. (More information on project-based learning can be found on the following website:http://www.bie.org/). At Olds, we incorporate quality practices (e.g., use of quality tools like plus delta and affinity diagram, collaborative teaming skills) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) into the design of our student learning experiences. The curriculum offerings at Olds are rounded out with Physical Education, Art, Music, and Technology and Media Skills instruction.