EDUCATION | sbmcs

LANGUAGE ARTS

Each classroom represents the “wholeness” of language, whether in the subject areas of reading, mathematics, art, music, or physical education. Language is used within all these areas: reading/language arts cannot be separated from the other academic subjects. A student uses reading/language arts techniques and cues throughout the day. This is what is meant by “wholeness”, not separating isolated skills at will. The goal is to develop richly literate environments in which students become effective users of language. Language skills are inseparable from the actual speaking, writing, and reading experiences. We will use SuccessMaker in our language arts program.

The classroom library is filled with various literature at all instructional levels. The reading area allows students a private place to read their favorite books. The curriculum areas provide meaningful fun activities that correlate with the themes of instruction as well as provide reinforcement of previous lessons. All of this provides an environment, which reflects a balance of instructional, creative, and meaningful experiences for students. Within this environment, students feel free to read, write, speak, listen and view the world around them safely and effectively.

MATHEMATICS

According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, mathematics education should enable students to:

• Value mathematics
• Become confident in their ability to do mathematics
• Become mathematics problem solvers
• Communicate mathematically and
• Learn to reason mathematically.

The school will use the Houghton Mifflin Math series along with lessons using the Montessori math materials which provide the necessary scope and sequence to help a student progress in math. The materials, designed by Dr. Montessori and her son, teach concepts in operations and memorization in a way that is fun and engaging. The materials help students understand abstract concepts concretely rather than simply memorizing a written facts on paper.

SCIENCE

Science education is an activity through which problems and questions dealing with the natural world can be identified and defined and solutions proposed and tested. Science education must be an important priority for all students. When students are shown how science applies to the real world, interest awakens.

The multimedia science classroom enables the teacher to develop students who will be enthusiastic about science, through the utilization of exciting, interactive explorations, full motion video, thousands of breathtaking visuals, a vast database, and on-line services. It allows students to explore connections among the four science disciplines: biology, chemistry, earth/space, and physics. Students solve problems, test hypotheses, and publish their findings. As a result, students gain a far better understanding of science, the scientific process and the world around them.

The integration of technology in the science curriculum provides students with an exciting classroom learning experience. Through the use of full motion video, stunning graphics, audio, a rich database of scientific knowledge and on-line services, students are motivated to explore and take virtual field trips into the wonders of the natural world, as they learn with an integrated science curriculum that makes connections across the disciplines.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies in a Montessori classroom is a travel through time to the present day. Students begin with the story of the Big Bang in first grade, study the formation of stars and galaxies, study the formation of the solar system, study earth history, and the history of man as a culmination of 4.5 billion years of evolution.

Students study both physical and cultural geography through the use of Montessori geography puzzle and pin maps. These materials introduce the students to country names, capitals, flags, rivers, lakes, oceans, mountain chains, as well as land and water forms. Through a study of the “Imaginary Island’ curriculum the students locate their island using longitude and latitude, make decision about the nature of the flora and fauna found on the island, and create a human culture, complete with language and history. This will align with the district’s social studies program.

HEALTH EDUCATION AND COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

(SAFETY AND FITNESS):

The purpose of this curriculum area will be to examine comprehensive health issues that are important to adolescent development. Basic skills and safety procedures will be emphasized. The content will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Growth and development
• Mental and emotional health
• Personnel health and individual wellness planning
• Family life education
• Nutritional health and physical activity
• Safety, first aid, and violence prevention
• Prevention and control of diseases
• Consumer knowledge
• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and abuse
• Community and environmental health
• Health and safety practices
• Critical thinking skills
• Relationships between physical education and other disciplines
• Fitness program design
• Components of fitness
• Improving health related fitness
• Skill improvement
• Positive participation in physical education
• Community resources
• Career opportunities

Any student whose parents make a written request to the principal shall be exempt from the HIV/AIDS and human sexuality instructional activities.

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EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

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READING

The school’s goal is for all healthy children to learn to read well. We embrace No Child Left Behind’s premise of what it take to ensure the reading success of every child. The School will:

• Use effective new materials, tools, and strategies for teachers.
• Use extensive professional development to learn to use these strategies.
• Hire additional staff to reduce class sizes for reading instruction and to provide

tutoring for students who fall behind.
• Implement changes in school organization for more appropriate class groupings and

effective use of special education, Title I, and other supplementary resources.
• Implement district, state, and national policies to set high standards of performance,

to support effective classroom instruction, and to improve teacher training programs.
• Encourage parents and other community members to support intensified efforts to

improve the reading ability of all students.
• Encourage parents and guardians to ensure that their children arrive at school ready

to learn every day.
• Conduct ongoing research of the success of our program and make changes when

necessary.