Curriculum
Six Mile Charter Academy's core philosophy is the belief that all children can learn, function as responsible citizens, develop a sense of self while working toward the common good of all and actualize their potential as productive members of the workforce. The school values the traditional classroom teacher and the relationship between student and teacher made possible by low student /teacher ratios. It also values the role the family plays in a child's academic and social development and the support they provide for productive learning. The mission is based upon a commitment to continuous improvement and individual student progress. It seeks to build a strong sense of community among all stakeholders. Consistency between the mission and the educational program is sustained by the synergy of low student/teacher ratios; a curriculum rooted in solid educational research and the Sunshine State Standards; an inclusive community in which all stakeholders share in the educational goals and expectations for learners, and a rigorous challenging learning environment where student achievement is the objective and life long learning is the goal.
The Six Mile Charter Academy will utilize the Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) Core Curriculum. The Charter Schools USA Core Curriculum is a framework that incorporates the formal performance-based Florida Sunshine State Standards and encourages steady academic progress as students build their knowledge and skills from one year to the next. The curriculum uses a spiral, interdisciplinary and conceptual approach to instruction, where concepts and skills continue to be introduced and expanded upon at each grade level. CSUSA recognizes that a balanced academic program emphasizes interdisciplinary study, reading and writing across the curriculum, critical thinking skills, cooperative learning projects and infusion of technology throughout the curriculum. Each student will have a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) that will assess his/her skills level when he/she enrolls in the school, design a path for growth, and periodically reassess skill development. The plan will be altered as needed. Portfolio assessment is fundamental to the development of a good PLP since only through authentic assessments will each student's strengths become evident. The CSUSA Core Curriculum Framework identifies competencies to be mastered at each grade level. This sequential building of knowledge ensures that children enter each new phase of their academic endeavor prepared to achieve to their highest potential. Therefore, the curriculum framework places emphasis on reading, writing, science and mathematics as well as modern language, physical education, the arts and technology. The overarching goal of the curriculum is to establish a flexible "open framework" that supports creativity, high standards and a solid academic foundation for the students.
At the base of all forms of interdisciplinary curriculum is the concept of knowledge as divided into "subjects" or "disciplines" which are woven together to make their connections apparent to students; the sanctity of the subject matter or discipline remains intact. Students will experience an expanded range of disciplines and a variety of teaching methods. The program will focus on each student's individual learning style with interactive studies in language arts, reading, mathematics, science, social studies, geography, music, art, study skills, modern language, physical education and technology. As a student moves through grades kindergarten through eight, there is an added emphasis on organizational skills and individual oral and written reports. At grades six through eight, emphasis is placed on assisting students with developing habits of mind; to inquire about their culture and world; and to produce presentations to peers to further develop their communication skills in front of an audience. Emphasis is also placed on students' ability to answer questions thoughtfully about their presentations.
Through the use of the online CSUSA Teacher Grade Book and Narrative Report Card, assessment of individual student learning is accurate, current, and assists teachers in making valid instructional decisions.
Students will be responsible for their behavior through student centered learning where they will be given choices as to how to achieve or proceed with the task at hand. Teachers will select core objectives, organize centers around subject matter, and develop instructional plans. These efforts will determine how children work, use materials and resources, and will participate in a rich, well-balanced curriculum. The methods and techniques used will challenge students while still providing a solid foundation in all academic areas. Staff development will enable teachers to identify and use best teaching practices and techniques that address the identified needs of their students.
Charter Schools USA's educational team is committed to academic excellence for all students. Authentic Pedagogy, Building a Sense of Community and Continuous Improvement are how we are impacting and changing the face of public education.
For more information on the Charter Schools USA Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum, please visit www.charterschoolsusa.com.