Overview and Academic Results
The instructional focus of Sisulu-Walker is on the core skills of reading, language and mathematics. The school utilizes standards-based balanced literacy/balanced math curricula that emphasizes the mastery of essential reading and math skills, as well as the development of higher order thinking and processing ability. Sisulu-Walker's academic and instructional programs are designed to meet the needs of all its students, a significant percentage of whom enroll at or below grade level upon entry to the school.
Sisulu-Walker's balanced literacy English-Language Arts ("ELA") and reading curriculum is comprised of the following elements:
- An extended block of instruction in ELA for all students each school day
- The use of a research proven, standards-based core reading program
- The use of trade books and classroom libraries
- New student preassessment using a widely-used standardized assessment test
- Interim and year-end tests, providing both on-going assessment and data regarding end-of-year student performance
- A phonics and phonemic awareness component to develop and support basic reading skills
- Comprehensive and on-going staff development regarding specific ELA curriculum implementation and strategies
Sisulu-Walker's balanced math curriculum is comprised of the following primary elements:
- An extended block of instruction in math for all students each school day
- The use of a research proven, standards-based core math program
- An introduction for children to all the major mathematical content domains, including number sense, algebra, measurement, geometry, data analysis and probability beginning in kindergarten
- An emphasis on developing within children higher-order and critical thinking skills
- A blend of student exposition and discussion, individual and group work projects, explorations, investigations and math games to ensure fact power
- Comprehensive and on-going staff development regarding specific math curriculum implementation and strategies
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