English Language Arts (ELA)
Our ELA Program features:
- Balanced Literacy
- Readers & Writers Workshop
- Schoolwide Curriculum Program
- iReady
- Access to thousands of books!
Newark Educators’ Community Charter School uses a Balanced Literacy approach proven to be successful in school districts around the country. Through the Balanced Literacy program students are instructed in reading and writing in multiple contexts each day; through Guided Reading, independent reading, daily read aloud, learning to write a variety of genres through the writing process, including one-on-one conferences during Writer’s Workshop, and Word Study through Fundations. We have also incorporated iReady Teacher Toolbox and individualized instruction for students to ensure we are meeting the needs of all learners.
Mathematics
Our Math Program is:
- Data-driven
- Utilizes Spiraled interventions to diagnose and correct misconceptions and errors.
- Provides Individualized instruction including intervention support and extension opportunities that support learners.
In math, we recently shifted away from Eureka Math because we did not believe it offered enough opportunities for parent engagement in learning as well as explicit strategy instruction for students. We began using iReady’s full spectrum of services beyond self-paced computer work, to include teacher toolbox and all of the intervention and assessment programs that are contained within. The benefit of this program is its direct connection to student learning standards and immediate opportunities for assessment and alternate instructional strategies to help struggling learners.
Science and Social Studies
For science and social studies, we have really honed in on inquiry as the basis for our learning. Inquiry shifts students to become the leaders of their learning and requires them to develop questions and determine how to answer those questions. We specifically use InquiryED for Social Studies and Foss for Science. These NJSLS aligned programs teach students important concepts while developing the habits of mind and skills to be prepared 21st century citizens.
Tools of The Mind (Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum)
Tools of the Mind is rooted in Vygotskian theory and informed by cutting- edge neuroscience.
Vygotsky believed that just as physical tools extend our physical abilities, mental tools extend our mental abilities, enabling us to solve problems and create solutions in a modern world.
When applied to children, this means that to successfully function in school and beyond, children need to learn more than a set of facts and skills. They need to master a set of mental tools to develop the cognitive, social-emotional, self-regulatory, and foundational academic skills necessary in school and beyond. Teachers focus on helping children become intentional and reflective learners, creating a classroom in which instruction in literacy, mathematics and science reflect children’s learning capacity, rather than age-level expectations.