Curriculum & Student Learning

The curriculum in our classrooms reflect the Common Core State Standards outlined by the State of Washington and Highline School District. More information about the Common Core State Standards and the national and state standards for other subjects can be found on the web at http://www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/default.aspx .

Student progress is monitored using rubrics with success criteria for the standards and formal and informal assessments. Students can be at one of 4 levels on the grade level state standards:

4 – Exceeding Standard (blue)

3 – Meeting Standard (green)

2 – Approaching Standard (yellow)

1 – Below Standard (red)

We want all students to be at a 3 or 4 (green or blue) with mastery of state standards. These are the numbers that are reported in the report card. When students are at a 1 or 2 (red or yellow) we provide extra support through the Intervention programs.

Specialists & Band

Each day all students participate in specialist lessons that teach them required skills to meet state standards in physical education, integrated arts (music and art), and library skills. Band instruction is available for 5th and 6th grade students during specialist time. Students are encouraged to rent or purchase their own instrument. Sometimes the school is able to provide instruments on a loan basis.

Progress Report Cards

Reporting student progress is continuous throughout the year. Parent and teacher conferences can be held via phone or in person at any time during the year. Formal conferences are held during November.

Report cards are sent home in November, March and June. Academic progress and achievement is measured by the student’s performance on the state standards in all subject areas. One copy is sent home with the student. If families want more than one copy of a report card they must make the request in writing to the teacher at the beginning of the school year and indicate how it needs to be delivered (via student, email, or hard copy in the office for pick up).

Interventions

Small group interventions and specially designed instruction are provided for students who are not meeting standards. Special Education and Title 1 and Title 3 funds provide extra assistance in reading, language arts, and mathematics to those students who qualify under special guidelines. ELL tutors (para educators who work with our English Language Learners) work in classrooms with students who are learning English. Tutors can also help parents with translation in Spanish, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Somali. Families who are concerned about the academic progress of their child can ask for a meeting to talk about their student. Call the school at (206) 631-5200 and ask to talk with the school psychologist.

Parent Help for Students

Parents often ask, "What can I do at home to help my child learn?” The following list will help your child be more successful in school:

• Talk with your child about school; what is easy and what is hard for them.
• Read to your child and/or have them read to you every day for 20 to 30 minutes. Reading can be done in a language other than English. It is the reading that is important, not just English.
• Ask your child to explain his or her thinking when talking.
• Ask lots of “why” questions.
• Have your child write every day.
• Play games that involve problem solving.
• Practice basic math facts in addition, subtraction and multiplication and division.
• Practice spelling and vocabulary words.