|
|
Curriculum
Chipeta’s curriculum creates 21st century learners and leaders. Staff members have rigorous academic standards and high expectations for all students. Curriculum resources include research-based materials which are aligned to state and district standards. Chipeta teachers differentiate for all students, working collaboratively within and across grade levels. They use data to drive instruction and participate on goal teams to align curriculum vertically. Students set individual targets and keep data folders to track their progress. Technology programs supplement instruction.
Literacy- Chipeta’s literacy program integrates many programs and strategies to meet the needs of each student. On-going individual assessments drive the use of specific strategies. Our reading program incorporates Scholastic’s Literacy Place, Junior Great Books, and curriculum from the College of William and Mary. An extensive leveled-book room, with materials from preK through high school levels, accommodates a variety of readers. All classrooms incorporate flexible reading groups and whole group instruction. Teachers use strategies such as Lindamood-Bell and Orton Gillingham, which emphasize word attack skills, spelling, and kinesthetic learning.
Writing is integral to success; Chipeta uses Writer’s Advantage. Mini-lessons, based on student needs, are followed by writing segments driven by student choice. Teachers conference with students daily to give individual feedback. Additionally, Six-Trait Writing, Step-Up to Writing, Writing Alive and journaling are widely used, with instruction in Daily Language Instruction (DLI) for grammar and the Scholastic Literacy Place for spelling. Gifted kindergarten through third grade students receive weekly enrichment, and gifted fourth and fifth graders attend daily pull-out classes.
Math: Chipeta uses the Everyday Mathematics (EDM) curriculum which emphasizes high expectations for all students and develops lifelong mathematical thinking. Concepts and skills grow over time within a broad range of contexts. Concrete modeling serves as an effective pathway to abstract understanding of complex concepts. Students develop problem-solving skills by working in small groups, which emphasizes leadership. Students communicate their understanding of mathematics through written responses to Exemplars. Gifted students are challenged through higher-level thinking and curriculum acceleration. Ability grouping for all students is supported by teachers, resource staff, and parents.
Science: The inquiry-based science curriculum integrates reading, writing, math, and technology. Hands-on science kits give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of the scientific process through research, questioning, hypothesizing, and observation. Science notebooks are used to collect, organize, analyze, and reflect upon data; students are assessed through constructed responses and corresponding rubrics. They are given opportunities throughout the year to explore areas of interest in quarterly science projects and in the Science Fair. Differentiation is provided through small, blended, and gender-specific groups.
Social Studies - Social Studies Alive! is a curriculum designed with support activities for the multiple intelligences to recognize individual student abilities. Chipeta enhances the Social Studies Alive! program with field trips and enriching activities at each grade level. Examples include Pioneer Day, Harvest Day, the Revolutionary War Ball, school-wide observances of Constitution Day, and studies of comparative countries and cultures. Chipeta fifth grade enhances studies of American History with a three day trip to High Trails camp with integrated studies of history and science. This experience promotes an exploration of self and others and helps our fifth graders prepare to embark on their journey through the sometimes challenging years of adolescence. The Junior Achievement program in economics and civics supplements our social studies curriculum.
Art, Music and Physical Education - Chipeta students receive Art, Music and Physical Education from specialist teachers. The teachers cooperatively plan within their department and with classroom teachers to provide cross-curricular integration. The culmination of students’ knowledge is tangible throughout the school and community. There are art shows and informative displays, musical performances by grade level, choir, band, and orchestra groups, enrichment courses, athletic tournaments, Jump Rope 4 Heart, and Field Day. The curriculum is designed to develop life-long abilities, appreciation, and participation.