Instruction
Students progressing through grades Kindergarten through 3 begin with a strong foundational focus on reading and mathematics, with integrated instruction in Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and the Arts. Strong supports are in place to individualize instruction and ensure that each student is moving at his or her ideal growth pace. One critical target for K-3 student learning to meet or exceed the requirements of the Ohio Department of Education's 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee to ensure the student is reading on grade level and prepared for 4th grade.
4th and 5th grade years mark a transition between elementary and a more varied upper middle school schedule. In addition to a core set of classes targeted toward leveled student needs, students begin to have opportunities to participate in additional electives such as Computer Applications, Band and Choir.
6th through 8th graders have more customized scheduling as additional elective courses, such as Family and Consumer Science, STEM, Current Events, Vietnam and the 60's, Applied Mathematics, and Video Production are added to the course options. Additionally, opportunities in Pre-Algebra, High School Algebra, and High School Science are available to students who are prepared to meet those challenges. In winter of the 8th grade year, the high school guidance counselor meetings with students to begin scheduling their first year of high school.
For further information on scheduling, contact your child's building principal, or the elementary/middle school counselor.
Assessment
Throughout grades K-9, students complete fall, winter, and spring progress assessments using the nationally-normed NWEA MAP assessment. This assessment provides teachers with quick-turnaround data about each student's academic growth that can be utilized to customize instruction, close gaps in learning, and provide opportunities for enrichment.
Ohio State Assessments are completed by students in Grades 3-8 in the following areas:
- Grade 3: Reading (Fall & Spring) and Mathematics
- Grade 4: Reading, Mathematics, and Social Studies
- Grade 5: Reading, Mathematics, and Science
- Grade 6: Reading, Mathematics, and Social Studies
- Grade 7: Reading and Mathematics
- Grade 8: Reading, Mathematics, and Science
Students entering Kindergarten are screened to gather information to assist with classroom placement. In fall of their Kindergarten year, each student will be assessed using the Ohio Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) to establish a baseline of student readiness.
Gifted Education Services
4th grade identified Math students will be cluster grouped and will be served in an inclusion setting where the Regular Education teacher will differentiate for those students who have been identified. Ongoing support will be provided by the GIS on a weekly basis. Criteria for service will be an identifying cognitive score or an identifying score in the specific academic area, plus a defined minimum cognitive score of 110.
4th grade Reading/ELA students will report to the resource room to be served daily by the GIS who will be the teacher of record. Criteria for service will be an identifying cognitive score or an identifying score in the specific academic area, plus a defined minimum cognitive score of 110.
5th grade Math and Reading/ELA students will report to the resource room to be served daily by the GIS who will be the teacher of record. Criteria for service will be an identifying cognitive score or an identifying score in the specific academic area, plus a defined minimum cognitive score of 110.
6th and 7th grade – Students will be cluster grouped in the classroom and served in their area(s) of identification by the regular ed. teachers through adjusted curriculum and differentiation with support from the GIS on a weekly basis. Criteria is identification in the specific academic area.
8th grade – Students identified as superior cognitive and/or math and science will take High School course in the subject(s) of identification.
High School – Students have the opportunity to enroll in advanced courses.
Acceleration - When appropriate, students may be considered for acceleration in one-subject area or a full grade level. Parents may begin conversations about acceleration with the child's building principal who will review the Acceleration Policy considerations with the family and recomend further steps. Grade-level/Subject-area Acceleration Application
For more information on Gifted Services, contact Sherri Richter, Gifted Services Coordinator.
