Academic Programs

The development of comprehension skills is targeted throughout the program. In the beginning stages, lesson concentrate on systematic phonics instruction. As students advance, the focus shifts from "learning to read" to "reading to learn".

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It is crucial that the basal be used in conjunction with Reading Mastery. It offers practice of reading objectives. The basal complements the program by reinforcing the skills taught in Reading Mastery.

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Novels are introduced in the primary grades. Depending on the level of the students, the depth of a unit can range from primarily oral reading and discussion, to more intricate studies involved integrated projects tied to a theme.

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This component addresses maintenance of reading skills. In the primary grades, this consist of boardwork that is completed in a spiral. In the intermediate grades, it is a variety of both reading and language skills completed in a folder.

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This program is started in our Pre-kindergarten classes to develop the students' verbal abilities and listening skills. As the program advances, the objectives shift to critical thinking and written expression.

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The objectives or this program include teaching students to listen, recognize categories, complete deductions, and use clues to answer questions and understand grammar. These skills are integrated with writing activities.

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This is a means by which the teacher integrates many different subject areas and skills into one activity. Sentences and/or paragraphs with grammar, punctuation, and content errors are reviewed and corrected by the students in oral and written form. Some teachers use the Daily Oral Language series as a source for their proofreading exercises. Others create their own proofreading in order to integrate topics and skills covered in the classroom.

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A vertical writing plan is in place to designate the forms of creative writing that should be introduced at each grade level. The plan includes writing activities (student journals), as well as specific writing assignments (i.e. persuasive, narrative).

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Students learn to think their way through spelling with this program. It mostly emphasizes sound/symbol correspondence, prefix/suffix/ word base combinations and the whole word approach. The strategies students learn, combined with repeated practice and application, enables them to spell unfamiliar words and to remember familiar words.

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Weekly word list are derived from a combination of sources. Teachers select vocabulary from across the curriculum as well as from the spelling programs used. Weekly spelling test are given in every classroom, however, activities tied to the word list vary according to the teacher.

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Handwriting is taught in the direct instruction format. Each time a new letter is introduced, the students learn and recite the strokes as they practice forming the letter. Handwriting expectations extend beyond direct practice. The student corrects any unsatisfactory handwriting. In K-2 the teachers write over the students incorrect stokes with red ink. The students "erase and trace" the letters to better learn the stroke.

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The Student Council Organization is an organization that is governed by the students once they are elected into office. These students work to together as responsible citizens and positive role models to address questions and concerns the student body has along with helping to maintain a positive environment for everyone.

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Peer Mediation in Partnership with Harris County Department of Education is a form of conflict resolution in which a third party (usually two mediators in school settings) help disputants (students) solve their problems. These third parties guide the process by directing the conversations, keeping the disputants on the topic, and making sure the disputants keep cool heads.

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