Overview
Overview
Overall Curriculum Areas Strategies:
UA has a variety of structures for analyzing student data and developing interventions to help students meet grade level proficiency. The staff has been trained in the Response to Intervention methods as well as been trained in how to use weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC) to further analyze weekly student data from benchmark assessments based on the Minnesota Standards in Reading and Math. Teachers in the PLCs examine student results and collaborate on developing strategies to help all students meet grade level proficiency. UA also has grade level planning and data analysis meetings on a regular basis. In addition, there are weekly team meetings (comprised of: grade level teachers, ESL, Title 1-reading and math, special education, paraprofessional, and monitored by the principal) to discuss the overall progress of students the effectiveness of interventions.
All Curriculum Areas Strategies:
UA use of the RTI Framework and the PLCs will improve student achievement because it will ensure that the staff, on a weekly basis, tracks student progress on Minnesota Standards and on grade level proficiency. Therefore, students will have individualized goals based on the assessment data and will receive targeted instruction to assist them in meeting those goals.
Reading Strategies:
UA uses reading strategies identified by the National Reading Panel (direct vocabulary instruction, generating questions, and monitoring comprehension)and that are implemented within a Balanced Literacy instructional approach within the Readers and Writers Workshop framework of instruction.
The three block framework, consisting of language and word study, reading workshop, and writing workshop, is a conceptual tool for organizing instruction. The framework is flexible, allowing numerous variations in content, student groupings, daily time frames and the level of teacher-directed instruction. Key elements of the framework include: Interactive Read Aloud, Modeled Shared Readings, Guided Reading, Phonics/Word Study, Rigorous Independent Reading, and Literature Circles.
Reading Corps staff will provide one-on-one tutoring. This will afford K-3 students additional practice to improve deficient skills. This strategy will be most effective for those students who are closest to achieving grade level reading standards and will improve student performance in a timely manner.
UA will also use an ESL instructor to improve the reading skills of ELL students. The ESL instructor will provide small group English and reading instruction for the ELL students within the classroom on a daily basis during the literacy block to provide additional instruction in reading.
Math Strategies:
UA adopted the Envisions mathematics curriculum which aligns to the Minnesota Mathematics Standards. UA teachers analyze student MCA II results from the previous year and NWEA MAP results to identify key concepts and skills that students need to master in order to become grade level proficient. Then they identify assessments that measure mastery of those benchmarks and identify curriculum resources that will help students understand the concepts and develop the skills that lead to mastery. This is commonly referred to as "backwards lesson design." The Envisions curriculum is well matched to Minnesota Standards and provides a more visual approach to helping students understand concepts better. UA will utilize the skills of a Title I mathematics teacher.