The Sanborn Regional School District "Best Practices" for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
The Sanborn Regional School District supports instructional practices that are considered "Best Practices". Best practices are strategies teaching models, and programs that have proven to be effective in supporting student achievement. These strategies include varied instructional tools.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum guides for each discipline and grade level were developed using the State of New Hampshire Curriculum Frameworks and the Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) and Grade Span Expectations (GSEs). In addition, the state has adopted the National Common Core Curriculum for Literacy and Mathematics and these guides are also incorporated as part of the district's curriculum. National curriculum for science and social studies are also being drafted and will be used to refine the district's curriculum.
INSTRUCTIONAL MODELS
The instructional practices in the district include models of instruction that encouage students to use critical thinking and to develop 21st Century Skills.
Mathematics: The mathematics program K-12 is supported by programs that use standards-based instruction. Every Day Math K-5, IMPACT Math 6-8, and both a CORE PLUS Integrated Math Program and a tradition math sequence at the high school. All instruction of mathematics supports critical thinking and problem solving guided by the Elementary and Secondary Mathematics Habits of Mind.
Literacy: The literacy program K-12 is a balanced literacy program that includes reading, writing, speaking, viewing and listening. At the elementary level teachers use a guided reading model for core reading instruction. In addition, teachers reference the Best Practices in Writing Model and the Developmental Writing Chart. The district supports The Lucy Calkins Units of Writing Study.
LITERACY ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
Reading: KEY 3
Note-taking: KEY 3 Note-taking
Vocabulary: KEY 3 Vocabulary
Open-Response Writing: KEY 3 Open Response
Critical Thinking: All classrooms provide critical thinking experiences for students in every discipline and teachers use the Essential Question Model for organizing and planning units or lessons.
SCHOOL CLIMATE
The culture and climate of a school play an important role in encouraging student achievement and particpation in school. Ever mindful of the developmental differences of each grade level (Child Development Chart) each school has adopted a model for supporting students as they develop and refine their personal and social behaviors at school.
The elementary level uses the Responsive Classroom Model as a foundation for the culture of the elementary classroom. The C.A.R.E.S are the key behavioral areas supported in the model and students are provided ongoing feedback about growth as an individuals and as a member of the class and school using these categories.
At the middle and high school levels students, are also provided guidance and feedback regarding their personal and social behaviors. An advisory program connects all students to an advisor who provides support and guidance throughout the year. Each marking period teachers also report on these behaviors using the General Learning Outcomes (GLOs) at the middle level and the School-wide Academic, Civic and Social Expectations for Learning at the high school level.
ON-LINE RESOURCES
The district provides several different options for online learning to meet the learning style and developmental needs of students.
KHAN ACADEMY
VLACS
NOVA NET
ALEKs