The Curriculum at Aspen Academy

Core Knowledge www.coreknowledge.org

In an effort to educate children in a way that fosters cultural literacy and an understanding of the world around them, we implement a curriculum using the Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence. The Core Knowledge Sequence allows students to go beyond a basic awareness of various events or people that have been essential to the development of the culture in which they live and the global culture that surrounds them. The topics covered in the Science and Social Studies curriculum at each grade level promotes a better understanding of the significance of these people and events, creating a larger, shared knowledge of a broad range of topics important to create a culturally literate individual. The implementation of the Core Knowledge Sequence also helps prepare students for the knowledge that lies ahead, and eliminates any repetitions or gaps that many students experience through the sequential building of knowledge and the cyclical arrangement of the topics covered. The Core Knowledge Sequence builds on what came previously, allowing the student to understand the introduction of new material because it is built on a solid foundation.  For more information on the Core Knowledge curriculum, you may want to read through the book series "What your First (etc) Grader Should Know" or go to the Core Knowledge website noted above.  See also, our webpage on "Scope and Sequence ".

Aspen Academy uses a phonics-based program to teach students to reading and decoding skills and then uses chapter books as soon as possible so students know the joys of reading from real books instead of reading anthologies.  We place an emphasis on spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and handwriting. Students are taught the Six Traits of Writing.  A Language Arts program is being developed by the Core Knowledge Foundation and will be used at each grade level as it becomes available.  There is also an extensive read-aloud program the teachers use to share literature with the students. 

Singapore Math

The Academy uses the Singapore Math curriculum as its mathematics component. This system is designed to build a foundation of arithmetic theory into students that will position them for more advanced math. The way Singapore Math does this is by first introducing students to a few key concepts with concrete examples and pictures. Then, the student is led progressively and logically to understand the abstract concept. (This Asian model is a direct inverse to math educational practice in the U.S. where many concepts are taught during the early years progressing to just a few by the upper elementary and middle school levels.) Singapore Math is a pleasing balance between drill and creative problem solving. Those who have compared Singapore Math with other math curricula report that Singapore Math moves the students more quickly and rationally toward abstract concepts. There is an emphasis on homework and practice, and an effective mix of word problems, drills and mental calculation. Instruction is paced to the needs of each individual student.

Second Language Instruction

We believe that the study of a second language will enhance the students’ perspective of the world around them, as well as facilitate their participation in it though the understanding of people from another culture, and promote an ability to communicate with many people in their own neighborhood. Thus, Spanish will be introduced to students at Aspen beginning in Kindergarten. In addition, Latin study will be introduced in 4th grade as a way to increase the understanding of the English language and compliment the study of other languages.

Music and Art

In an effort to help each child achieve a balanced, well-rounded education, we will integrate Music and Art as stated in the Core Knowledge Sequence. Our introduction will encourage creativity within a structured atmosphere. Together, our music and art program will both impact and compliment each child’s academic achievement, stimulating the cognitive skills required for full development.  The specialists work with the classroom teachers at each grade level to complement the activities taking place in the general ed classroom.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program will balance personal fitness and individual activities with team games. Participation and good sportsmanship will be emphasized. There will also be instruction on health and wellness.

Technology

All classrooms at Aspen Academy have Smart Boards--interactive white boards that connect to a computer and allow students to "drag and drop" items that relate to their lessons.  An example would be Kindergarteners who drag the names of each of the seven continents across the board to match them up with the picture of each continent.  The Smart Board also allows the teacher to download thousands of internet videos that complement classroom topics through "United Streaming".  Each classroom also has several computers and we have a computer cart with laptops each teacher may check out for student use.

Academic Rigor

Our focus will be on academic rigor and helping each child be successful. Accelerated achievement at all levels of academic ability will be encouraged through the in-depth and rigorous study of Core Knowledge topics. Each child will be offered an education that ensures the fundamental skill-sets and knowledge for higher education and instills a desire for life-long learning. Aspen will also hire staff members trained to provide specialized learning programs to ensure that no student is left behind, regardless of ability. All staff members will receive comprehensive and ongoing training in Core Knowledge, Singapore Math, and other course-relevant instructional components to help provide the best possible learning opportunities. To that end, it will be especially important to integrate nonverbal forms of human communication including Art and Music, which will enhance the Core Knowledge based curriculum and allow our students to grow into well-rounded, thoughtful, and insightful human beings. As opposed to graduates of many more traditional schools, students will leave the Academy with an educational foundation that will leave them in good stead as they pursue further education and educated lives.