Academics
Academics
Harbins Prep provides an individualized rigorous curriculum that meets our scholars where they are at and challenges them appropriately. Our school focuses on project based learning that pushes scholars to practice the skills necessary to be successful in a rapidly changing world. At Harbins Prep we give our scholars the skills they need to flourish in the world.
To be responsive to academic needs, STEP provides us with the necessary data to provide individualized support for each scholar. Scholars will take STEP tests 5 times per year to accelerate academic growth. This data will support teachers in their instruction and provide families with the information they need to support their scholars further. Below you will find information from the STEP website to understand why we have chosen this assessment for Harbins Prep scholars.
STEP™ (Strategic Teaching and Evaluation of Progress) is a research-based formative assessment, data management, and professional learning system designed to build teacher capacity for literacy instruction and provide educators with the data necessary to improve student achievement in literacy across grades K-5.
Early reading proficiency is a key milestone for all students, but students often miss that critical marker. When children stay caught up in literacy development, catching up to their grade-level peers becomes easier. Further, teachers working with students who have missed developmental milestones often need more data to both identify where the student is struggling and how best to intervene. STEP was developed initially by a team of researchers and practitioners led by Tony Bryk and David Kerbow at UChicago's Urban Education Institute to help provide teachers with access to the data and skills needed to improve student outcomes.
Context for Learning - Math Curriculum
The Context for Learning curriculum is an innovative and comprehensive approach to education that provides students with meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Developed by the widely respected educator Dr. Elizabeth Sulzby, this curriculum strongly emphasizes connecting classroom instruction to real-world contexts, promoting deep understanding and application of knowledge. The Context for Learning curriculum recognizes that children learn best when they can connect their learning and experiences. It integrates different subject areas, such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, within a thematic framework to create a cohesive and immersive learning environment. By using authentic and relevant contexts, students are motivated and encouraged to participate in their learning actively, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The Context for Learning curriculum provides a rich and dynamic educational experience that equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed academically and thrive in the world beyond the classroom.
Fountas and Pinnell - Reading Curriculum
The Fountas and Pinnell reading curriculum is a comprehensive and widely used approach to teaching reading skills and literacy development. Developed by renowned educators Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell, this curriculum supports students' individual needs and fosters a love for reading. It incorporates various instructional strategies and resources, including leveled books, guided reading lessons, and assessments, to ensure students progress through the different stages of reading proficiency. The Fountas and Pinnell reading curriculum emphasizes the importance of phonics, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary acquisition, providing educators with a structured framework to help students become proficient and confident readers.
Enrichment
Scholars will engage in different types of enrichment activities throughout the school year. Scholars will engage in an hour of Spanish or Physical Education, depending on the day. Scholars will also engage in computer science, entrepreneurship, and project based learning throughout the school year.
NWEA Testing
NWEA testing, also known as the Northwest Evaluation Association testing, is a widely used assessment tool in education. It provides valuable insights into students' academic progress and growth over time. NWEA tests are adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on the student's responses. This adaptive nature ensures that each student receives a customized assessment, allowing educators to gauge their current knowledge and skills accurately. NWEA testing covers various subjects, including math, reading, language usage, and science, and provides detailed reports to educators and parents, highlighting areas of strength and areas that require improvement. By providing valuable data on student performance, NWEA testing helps educators tailor their instruction to meet the specific needs of each student, promoting individualized learning and academic success.
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