In order to ensure depth of understanding among curricular
areas, standards based curriculum is combined with evidence
based teaching strategies at WISH.
Technology: Based on National Education
Technology Standards, creative and effective uses of technology
will be interwoven throughout the content areas so that students
will become effective communicators, collaborators, publishers and
producers. Students will also have the tools to be informed,
responsible and contributing citizens.
Language Arts: WISH offers a balanced approach
to literacy combining explicit phonemic awareness, phonics
instruction, vocabulary, fluency development, and reading
comprehension. Readers' and Writers' workshop is included in
daily instructional experiences.
English Language Development: Imagine It!
ELD. A language-based, literature-based, and
content-based program organized around thematic units, which can be
taught as is, integrated into native language themes and content,
and matched with themes and content being taught in English.
Mathematics: Envision is a balanced
curriculum that allows for teaching procedural skills, problem
solving, and conceptual understanding.
Science: FOSS California. Based on
cognitive research about how children think and learn, FOSS uses an
active learning teaching approach. Students assume the role
of scientists by making observations, asking questions, making
predictions, collaborating and communicating with peers, and
conducting experiments to test ideas and verify results. FOSS
excites students and motivates them for more advanced study in
science.
History/Social Science: Our social studies
curriculum is engaging for students and helps make history
come alive in the classroom. Comprehensive web supports to
support integration of technology into the classroom are
provided.
Physical Education/Health: Our physical
education program builds a foundation for appropriate instructional
practices that promote and maintain the attainment of movement
skills, physical fitness, and health.
School-wide programs:
School-wide Enrichment Model (SEM): WISH
teachers can track students' progress through a compacted
curriculum using the Renzulli Learning Form which
is both an organizational and record keeping tool. Research
shows that this model can be applied to various subject areas
resulting in higher achievement, and can be used with diverse
populations of students including gifted learners, high ability
students with learning disabilities, and underachievers.
Second Step Social Skills: This program builds
opportunities for inclusiveness and respect, and increases the
sense of confidence and responsibility within the student body.
Peaceful Playgrounds and Systematic Supervision for
Elementary Schools: These programs provide research-based
comprehensive programs for increasing positive behavior on the
playground and reducing negative behaviors.
For more information on Differentiating
Curriculum and Closing the Achievement
Gap using School-wide Enrichment Model (SEM) and
Renzulli
http://parents.renzullilearning.com/UsingRenzulli.aspx
http://www.renzullilearning.com/bridge/data.asp