The Big Three!Reading
In combination with our newly adopted Daily 5/CAFE curriculum design, we use a Houghton Miflin Leveled Reading series, K-4. Students are progress monitored 3 times a year for a better understanding of student needs. We also have a Title 1 support system, where paraprofessionals assist the classroom teacher, for students reading below grade level. Lastly, our Accelerated Reading Program is a wonderful supplement that focuses on individualized progress. Math An Everyday Math series was adopted during the 2011-2012 school year. The focus will be centered around differentiating instruction based on the needs of our students as well as a spiraling curriculum model. Regular technology supplements are provided in computer class as well as the general education classroom. In addition, Title 1 services, where a paraprofessional assists the teacher in the classroom, will support students who need that. Writing
We utilize Marcia Freeman's Craft Plus Writing program, which emphasizes the use of specific grade level target skills aligned with national core standards. A writer's workshop environment, and modeling exemplary writing, will povide students independent success throughout the school year. Lastly, the continued training and use of our K-12 Writing by Design strategies/organizers will allow more of a building-to-building consistency within writing that we all look forward to! |
School Improvement
Dundee Elementary teachers are constantly monitoring the progress of their students, instruction, and resources. Our School Improvement team is actively involved in the state-required goals report. Math is currently an area we are focusing on, and will continue to focus on this year, but ongoing training and educational opportunities will continually be offered in all areas. Technology Technology at DES has taken on a new life, starting last year with the purchase of a Smartboard for every classroom. Skills through our Smart products, use of document cameras, supplemental ebooks (Bookflix & TrueFlix), and a new Accelerated Reading Suite will provide our students the tools necessary to enrich their educational experience here at Dundee Elementary. Our teachers and students also benefit from the use of three computer labs, a light speed surround sound voice system, two CPS clicker assessment tools, our very own student-created ebook library, a fourth grade video announcement system, and a progress monitoring system through Exam View and Pearson Inform as well as Curriculum Crafter to enrich and focus our students' learning. Click here to Access
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Science
Grades 1-4 use a hands-on kit-based program through ECA. We are currently waiting for newly cemented National and state requirements to be made. Along with the kit based program, we utilize mini units that follow Michigan's Heath Model: bullying, nutrition, drug awareness, etc. Social Studies Every grade uses a variety of resources in order to cover the Michigan State GLCEs and benchmarks. Third and fourth graders utilize texts centered around the study of Michigan as well as a fourth grade Social Studies Alive. Lastly, our entire elementary builds yearly upon the understanding of the Core Democratic Values. Professional Development
This year's focus will continue to be implementing a Daily 5/CAFE language arts strategy within the classroom. This will help the teachers and support staff more effectively reach the varying levels of student abilities and also promote independent lifelong learners in our students. Our principal has purchased resources and will provide opportunities for our staff to develop a consistent reading structure to allow for maximum student success! In addition, our staff will be continuing to enhance our Everyday Math to make it even more effective for student learning this year. Lastly, on-going training will be provided throughout this school year with our new K-12 Writing by Design strategies as well as Curriculum Crafter, a common core based tool used to help align curriculum. |