To prepare our students for selective high schools, competitive colleges, and future careers, DLA implements curriculum based on Common Core and Ohio’s Learning Standards. Ohio’s Learning Standards emphasize skills such as critical thinking and problem solving — qualities most sought by today’s employers. By teaching our students to apply these skills to what they are learning in school, we can make sure they are on track to graduate from high school and enjoy success in college, careers and life.
Reading Curriculum
In grades K-2 we ensure students learn how to read so that in grades 3rd-8th students can read to learn. Students are expected to read multiple texts each day and a variety of them – passages, excerpts, articles, books, novels, and more. Students read across all subject areas – reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
In K-2 we implement the Balanced Literacy approach using Core Knowledge Language Arts and other high quality curricular resources. This approach teaches foundational reading skills throughout 6 different components: word work, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, read alouds, and writing workshop.
In 3-8 we implement the Expeditionary Learning English Language Arts curriculum and other high quality curricular resources. We implement this curriculum because of the rigorous lesson plans, comprehensive units, breadth of student engagement strategies, and balance of 50% fiction and 50% non-fiction texts.
The curriculum focuses on Unit 1: Building students’ knowledge of the work, Unit 2: Research techniques and planning to write, and Unit 3: Extended essay writing. Assessments include culminating writing projects and performance tasks.
Teachers can access the curriculum and supporting resources (also known as Engage NY) online: https://www.coreknowledge.org/curriculum/download-curriculum/ http://commoncoresuccess.eleducation.org/curriculum 9
Math Curriculum
In K-8 we implement the Eureka Math curriculum and other high quality curricular resources. Eureka Math, part of the Engage NY suite, was written by teachers specifically to teach Common Core standards and is the only math curriculum that meets the alignment and usability expectations of the outside review completed by edreports.org. Eureka Math focuses on conceptual understanding and reasoning so students learn why the math works rather than just the process. There is an emphasis on math dialogue and representing more than one way to solve a problem through the Read-Draw-Write protocol. To support our students’ growth in mathematics, we emphasize focus and coherence. We build connections across content and grades to drive coherence and ensure that students’ knowledge, skill, and sophistication in math increase. Teacher can access the curriculum and supporting resources (also known as Engage NY) online: https://greatminds.org/math
Science Curriculum
Across all grades, our science curriculum focuses on core scientific concepts of life science, human science and physical science. Science instruction places heavy attention on student inquiry and exploration. All students regularly complete hands-on labs and activities to further explore scientific concepts. Additionally, science classes incorporate reading, writing, and research skills.
In K-2 science lessons are embedded in Core Knowledge Listening and Learning units.
In 3-8 we implement the Science Fusion curriculum. Teachers can access the curriculum online: http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/science/elementary-science/sciencefusion#st hash.KyEewLeQ.dpbs
Social Studies Curriculum
Across all grades, our social studies curriculum focuses on core social sciences concepts of history, geography, and economics. Social studies develop students’ understanding of how the country and the world was shaped over centuries at a time. Additionally, social studies classes incorporate reading, writing, and research skills.
In K-2 social studies lessons are embedded in Core Knowledge Listening and Learning units.
In 3-8 we implement the Social Studies Alive/History Alive curriculum. Teachers can access the curriculum online: https://www.teachtci.com/social-studies/ Blended Learning All students participate in blended learning opportunities, using programs like Google Classroom and i-Ready. These computer-based programs support the development of foundational skills in reading and writing