Content
We use both professionally made and our own teacher-made curricula and materials. All of these are scrutinized for consistency with best practices in gifted education and are matched to the best fit for our students’ learning needs.
Grouping
Because of the unique nation of our students’ learning needs, our courses do not use traditional age-based grade-level groupings. The groups are designed to fit students’ readiness and are named after constellations because all of them are small groups of stars.
Assessments
We primarily use pre-assessment and formative assessments. Post-assessments usually come in the form of projects.
- Pre-assessments are used to find out what a student already knows so we can match them to the content they are ready for and not repeat their prior knowledge.
- Formative assessments inform how the class moves forward.
- Post Assessments provide insight into what the student has cumulatively gained.
In each case, the assessments exist to show what the student knows which includes all of their products in many forms. There are projects of all kinds which include, but are not limited to writing, images, presentations, representative problems, projects, and many others that indicate the extent of the student’s comprehension and application of curricular content and concepts.
Current Curriculum Texts Overview:
English Language Arts
Writing: a curricular series by Dr. Susan Wide Bauer from the College of William and Mary. The series is called, “The Complete Writer.” The one for the younger students or those who are struggling with writing, or who don’t like to write, is called, “Writing with Ease.” As for the handwriting, if the student is just beginning handwriting they will go with the system called D’Nealian also known as “the modern manuscript” method, but if they have already started using the more traditional manuscript they can continue with that. Once they have mastery of a manuscript form then they will go on to cursive.
Reading: It’s embedded in every subject. For students who are learning to read we use, the “All About Reading,” series and trade books for beginning readers. For older students, we use classic children’s literature and Newbery Award winners utilizing strategic reading, analysis, and discussion.
Vocabulary: We use “Vocabulary from Classical Roots,” but mostly for the upper levels, from Educators Publishing Service. You can see them at https://eps.schoolspecialty.com/products/literacy/vocabulary/vocabulary-from-classical-roots/about-the-program
Math
Levels 1 – 6: We use Singapore Math U.S. Primary Edition. This is the system that was brought over from the Singapore Ministry of Education, not the versions that have come up in the U.S. that are less rigorous.
We use Mathematical Reasoning from Critical Thinking Press which was designed specifically for advanced students who are younger than those who are typically in these courses.
Pre-Algebra: Understanding Pre-Algebra: Middle School Mathematics
Algebra: Understanding Algebra 1
Geometry: Understanding Geometry
Science:
In Session 1 we will be using the texts and lab books (PDF downloadable for only $5) from Dr. Rebecca Keller called “Real Science 4 Kids.” Astronomy. In Session 2 we are focusing on Anatomy and Physiology through multiple resources.
Social Studies:
The main textbook will be “The Story of the World” by Dr. Susan Wise Bauer of the College of William and Mary. The volume will depend on students’ prior knowledge.
Tech & Engineering:
The Engineering focus will be on the engineering process through Mechanical and Civil Engineering which will also require several principles of physics. Students will build projects that do some kind of work. The main resource will be from “TeachEngineering” from the University of Colorado. The technology focus will be primarily using code.org. However, the most experienced coders may use either JavaScript or Python. Grouping will depend on students’ prior knowledge and experience with computers.
Latin:
We use the series called “Latin for Children” from Classical Learning Press located at https://classicalacademicpress.com/collections/latin-for-children
Spanish:
We have found that a combination of different sources provides the most complete programming. We have chosen two, Spanish for Children from Classical Learning Press which focuses on the grammar and structure of the language, and QTalk’s Spanish https://www.qtalkpublishing.com/spanish-sprout which focuses on learning the language like a person learns their first language and is about speaking the language.
Visual Art:
Our art program is based on the work of Victor Lowefeld and takes a developmental approach to themes that are common for all levels. We use the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design as the themes for units. Students move through the units at their developmental level.
“Art in Action” is an excellent textbook series we frequently use as a resource but students don’t need to buy it. The teacher will use lessons from the series.
(To find out more about Lowenfeld see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7-A8DKl17E and Stages of Art Development https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H60PWh1GM1o)
