Academics
Academics at Greenwood Elementary
Greenwood Elementary acknowledges the whole child by offering a balance of programs for all children.
Common Core Standards
Common Core is a real-world approach to learning and teaching. Developed by education experts from 45 states, these K-12 learning standards go deeper into key concepts in math and English language arts. The standards require a practical, real-life application of knowledge that prepares Washington students for success in college, work and life.
The national PTA has a resource by grade on the Common Core with tips for talking to your child’s teacher as well as working with your child.
You can also get more information on Washington State’s plan/transition. The information is found on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website.
Math Enrichment Program
The purpose of the math enrichment program is to challenge students by offering opportunities to dive deeper into curriculum and explore a variety of problem-solving strategies. Students study each mathematic strand, including numbers, geometry, measurement, probability and statistics, patterns and functions, and problem solving. Students build a portfolio of work to share at conference time.
Literacy Enrichment Program
The purpose of the literacy enrichment program is to challenge students by offering opportunities to dive deeper into curriculum and explore a variety of reading and writing strategies. Students study the six traits of effective writing, analyze characteristics of their favorite books and apply those traits to their own writing. Students build a portfolio of work to share at report card time.
Advance Learning
We hold every student to high academic expectations – including those who need support to work at grade level and those who qualify for Advanced Learning. All students receive differentiated instruction and intensive, coordinated support in their general education classroom that meets their unique needs and develops their talents and strengths. Our students show proficiency at standard before tackling depth and extension.
Our teachers work towards integrating small group lessons while engaging in grade level content with opportunities for greater depth and complexity within each academic content area. Teachers engage in professional development focused on the skill of small group rotations and differentiated instruction throughout the year. Taking advantage of more challenging work is the responsibility of the student, family, and teachers.
Here are some examples of how differentiated instruction looks in these academic areas:
- Reading – Each child spends most of their reading time reading text that is at their developmental level through Newsela, Read Theory, Lexia and classroom libraries. Small group instruction throughout the day targets specific needs of the learners in each classroom.
- Math – We are following the rigorous scope and sequence that has been provided in our Envision Mathematics curriculum. Within each topic there is an opportunity for differentiation of materials and choice in areas like the Pick a Project section of the topic. Happy Numbers and Success Maker are also used to provide individualized math practice.
- Science – The Amplify science curriculum has differentiated questions for students within the curriculum. All students work through their grade level science curriculum units and have the opportunity to go deeper with conversation and classroom discussions, and STEAM Lab experiences.
Homework Policy
Kindergarten to 3rd Grade Students
In lieu of formal homework, teachers ask that Kindergarten to 3rd grade students:
- Read 10-30 minutes/night
- Spend time with their families
- Engage in learning in self-directed ways
- Unfinished work or extra practice work may be sent home
4th and 5th Grade Students
In 4th and 5th grade, teachers ask students to:
- Read for 10-30 minutes/night, sometimes with written reflection
- Complete math skill work for up to 20 minutes/night
- Unfinished work or extra practice work may be sent home
Teachers follow a formula of 10 min multiplied by the grade level for daily homework (ex. In 5th grade – 10 min x 5 = 50 minutes/day of homework)
Communicate any difficulties with homework to the teacher to address in class.
Greenwood Elementary also focuses on the following programs during the school day. See each individual page for more information about what is offered:
- Physical Education (PE)
- Library
- Visual Arts