Back to Basics Education

 

Happy Valley provides a “Back-to-Basics,” traditional program that is aligned with Arizona State Standards and National Content Standards (NCS). We participate in statewide testing programs each year, as well as school wide regular assessments to monitor student achievement.

We believe that every child has the capacity to learn and is best served by “direct instruction” in the basic skills of reading, writing and math. Our approach has been affirmed by many studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Education and other independent research. The proven success of our program is based upon:

  • An intensive, “phonics first” reading program, beginning in kindergarten.
  • Mastery-based learning which requires teaching, testing, re-teaching and re-testing, until students master the concepts presented at a passing level.
  • Minimized homework consisting of practice in reading each day, memorization of math facts, and review of spelling and vocabulary.
  • Parents may request additional work for extra practice at home.

 

Curriculum materials used include:

  • Our own copyrighted Phonics and Math programs
  • Mathematics – we use a combination of Progress in Mathematics by Sadlier-Oxford, Strayor Upton, Formative Loop and Saxon Mathematics (Grade K-1).
  • ELA – We use a combination of McGuffey Readers, Progress ELA, Harcourt, Novel Studies, Vocabulary Workshop, and Write Bright.
  • Social Studies – We use a combination of Core Knowledge, and Harcourt.
  • Science – We use a combination of Core Knowledge and CK12.
  • Health – We use a combination of BrainPop and Harcourt.
  • A variety of enrichment materials and resources.

    Standardized assessments enable the school to place students in classrooms that will best serve their needs. All classes at each grade level use the same core curriculum.

    Direct Instruction, Demonstration and Guided Practice

    Classroom teachers present concepts using direct instruction. Concepts are taught and demonstrated by the teacher, then students practice and show understanding through guided practice. Teachers also model character, organization skills, time management and positive relationship building through everyday classroom practices.

     

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