Elementary School Curriculum
Literacy
The Advantages of Benchmark Advance in Literacy Education
Fourth grade students in Tracy Hatt's class at West Mercer reading.
Benchmark Advance is a comprehensive literacy program that offers numerous advantages for educators and students alike. One of the standout features of this program is its strong focus on phonics instruction. Through explicit and systematic teaching methods, students are provided with the foundational skills necessary for reading success. The program emphasizes daily application, ensuring that at least 50% of classroom time is dedicated to practical exercises where students can apply their learning in real reading and writing situations. This hands-on approach not only reinforces skills but also enhances students' confidence in their abilities. Additionally, the physical books included in the curriculum are designed to align closely with the Science of Reading research, ensuring that students engage with high-quality, authentic texts that promote comprehension and critical thinking.
In addition to phonics, Benchmark Advance places a significant emphasis on writing instruction. The program provides structured opportunities for students to express their thoughts and ideas through writing, fostering their development as effective communicators. The integration of a research-based framework ensures that the curriculum is not only effective but also adaptable to meet the diverse needs of learners. With a focus on building knowledge over time, students engage deeply with various subjects, expanding their vocabulary and comprehension skills in a meaningful context. Overall, Benchmark Advance stands out as a robust literacy solution, equipping students with the necessary tools for academic success and lifelong learning.
Understanding the Science of Reading
Two students at Northwood reading and checking out books in the school's library.
The science of reading encompasses a comprehensive body of research that examines how individuals learn to read and the most effective methods for teaching reading skills. It integrates findings from various fields, including cognitive psychology, education, and linguistics, to understand the cognitive processes involved in reading development. This research highlights the importance of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension in creating proficient readers. By employing evidence-based instructional practices, educators can better support students in developing the necessary skills to navigate text successfully, ultimately fostering a lifelong love for reading and learning.
Supporting Documentation:
Research Foundation
Efficacy Report
Alignment with Structured Literacy
dReports Review
READING RESOURCES FOR PARENTS:
- MISD tips for reading at home
- Literacy Central
- Parenting a struggling reader. New York. Broadway Books. Hall, S. & Moats, L.C. (2002)
- Straight Talk about Reading. Hall, S.L. & Moats, L.C. (1999) Chicago, Ill. Contemporary Books
- Starting out right: A guide to promoting children's reading success. National Research Council. (1999). Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
- Put reading first: Helping your child learn to read: A parent guide: Preschool through grade 3. The Partnership for Reading. (2000). MD: National Institute for Literacy.
- 7 keys to comprehension: How to help your kids read it and get it! Zimmermann, S., & Hutchings, C., (2003). New York: Three Rivers Press.
Writing Resources for Parents:
- How to Help Your Child Become a Better Writer: Suggestions for Parents from the National Council of Teachers of English, 1980.
- Children's Literacy Initiative
- OWL: Purdue Online Writing Lab
Math
Engaging with I-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Fifth grade students in David Baxter's class at West Mercer work on a math unit.
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics provides an interactive and hands-on learning experience that fosters a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. By incorporating manipulatives such as counters and cubes, students are encouraged to explore mathematical principles in a tangible way. This hands-on approach allows them to develop their number sense and apply their understanding before tackling more abstract challenges. Teachers play a crucial role in this process, guiding students through activities that reinforce learning and build confidence in their abilities.
Teacher-led instruction in i-Ready Classroom Mathematics emphasizes collaboration and engagement among students. With a structured lesson format that includes Explore, Develop, and Refine sessions, educators can effectively support students as they construct their mathematical knowledge. This method not only helps students grasp essential concepts but also promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a result, students feel more prepared to tackle complex mathematical situations and develop a love for learning math in a supportive classroom environment.
Understanding Conceptual and Procedural Math
Fifth grade students in David Baxter's class at West Mercer work on a math unit.
Mathematics is a subject that encompasses both conceptual and procedural knowledge. Conceptual math understanding refers to grasping the underlying ideas and principles behind mathematical concepts. It involves recognizing how different mathematical ideas connect and relate to each other. For example, when students understand why multiplication works and how it relates to addition, they can solve problems more flexibly. Research by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) emphasizes that a strong conceptual foundation allows students to apply their knowledge in various contexts, fostering deeper learning and retention.
On the other hand, procedural math understanding focuses on the methods and processes used to solve mathematical problems. This includes mastering algorithms, formulas, and step-by-step procedures for performing calculations. For instance, knowing how to perform long division or solve an equation is part of procedural knowledge. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, procedural fluency is essential for efficient problem-solving and enables students to tackle complex mathematical tasks. While procedural knowledge is crucial for completing calculations accurately, it is most effective when paired with conceptual understanding.
Both types of math knowledge are essential for students' overall mathematical development. Research shows that students who possess a balance of conceptual and procedural understanding tend to perform better in mathematics. The National Research Council highlights that students who understand the "why" behind mathematical procedures are more likely to apply their skills effectively in real-world situations. By fostering both conceptual and procedural math skills, educators can equip students with the tools they need to succeed in mathematics and develop critical thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Supporting documentation:
iReady Classroom Mathematics Research Base
iReady Classroom Mathematics EdReports
Standards for Mathematical Practice: A Quick Reference Guide
Social Studies
Assessments
Understanding Screening Tools in Education: The i-Ready Diagnostic
Screening tools are essential in educational settings as they help identify students who may need additional support in their academic journey. One widely used universal screening tool is the i-Ready Diagnostic. This online assessment measures students' proficiency in reading and mathematics, providing educators with valuable insights into each student’s strengths and weaknesses. The primary purpose of universal screening is to identify students who may be at risk of academic difficulties, allowing schools to implement early interventions. It is important to note that universal screening tools like i-Ready are not used for final evaluations or grades; rather, they serve as a preliminary assessment to guide instructional planning and support.
The i-Ready Diagnostic consists of a series of adaptive assessments that adjust in difficulty based on the student’s responses. In literacy, for example, it assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics through engaging tasks that align with the curriculum. These tasks are designed to reflect real-world applications, ensuring that students are not only tested on their knowledge but also on their ability to apply it. This approach allows educators to tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment. By using tools like i-Ready, educators can create targeted interventions that help ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed academically.
Understanding Normative and Criterion-Referenced Assessments
Assessments in education can be broadly classified into two categories: normative and criterion-referenced assessments. Normative assessments compare a student's performance to that of a larger group, allowing educators to understand how an individual student is performing relative to their peers. This type of assessment often provides valuable insights into a student's rank or percentile in relation to a norm group, which can include students in the same grade or age range. For example, literacy tasks that utilize normative assessments may reveal that a student is performing at the 75th percentile, indicating they are better than 75% of their peers in that specific area.
On the other hand, criterion-referenced assessments measure a student's performance against a specific set of standards or learning objectives, rather than against the performance of other students. The i-Ready Diagnostic is a prime example of a criterion-referenced tool. It assesses whether students have mastered particular skills and concepts aligned with grade-level expectations. This diagnostic tool provides detailed feedback on individual strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted instructional support. Understanding the distinction between these assessment types helps families better navigate their child's educational progress and the strategies educators use to support learning.
Supporting Documents:
iReady National Center for Intensive Intervention-- Highly Rated
Summary of NCII Ratings
For more information around the iReady tools for assessment, we encourage you to consider visiting the iReady Family Center site.