Quest Academy will provide a technology rich environment through the integration of technology into the core curriculum and instructional strategies. Elementary curriculum (K-6) will use research-based, challenging curriculum with technological supports built into the textbook materials. Quest will use Harcourt Brace Trophies for reading and Language Arts and for mathematics Scott Foresman-Addison-Wesley. Quest is committed to bringing technology into the classroom. A technology specialist will work with teachers to present lessons modeling the use of technology as well as giving students an opportunity to access technology. Quest will increase the number of computers available to students, every year for three years, however Quest’s commitment to a technology rich environment does not mean more computers it is a focus on the integration of technology by teachers and students in the core curriculum.
Scott Foresman-Addison-Wesley is a research-based math program that systematically distributes instruction, practice and assessment throughout the academic year as opposed to concentrating the instruction, practice and assessment of related concepts into a short period of time. The spiraling activities are focused on consistent review and checking of student understanding and knowledge. The curriculum provides teachers with a back mapping of content and objectives supported by a calendaring of time to cover the Core within the framework of a school year.
Scott Foresman-Addison-Wesley provides student, teacher, and professional development supports for schools. The Foresman website provides a wealth of interactive online resources for students including: examples of problem completion, additional practice activities, test preparation activities, videos, and web-based math tools tied directly to the lessons. An online student edition is available for students to access their textbooks from any computer with internet access (home, school or public library). An online Discovery Channel School Video Library provides compelling ways for students to see how math is everywhere—everyday. Math eTools help students grasp difficult math concepts with electronic math manipulatives online. Students will also use online lesson demonstrations and research-based methods to improve math achievement.
Specific Language Arts program materials from Harcourt Brace Trophies (K-6) will support instructional practices such as guided reading, writers’ workshop, and other instructional practices focused on individual student needs. Explicit instruction guides the Reading and Language Arts program. This program is also based on extensive research and has been selected and approved by the Federal Government and by the state of Utah. It provides assessment tools and a comprehensive approach to Language Arts. The writing program is embedded in the Language Arts block and is supported by explicit instruction in the components of effective writing. Additional instruction support will be provided by the guidelines in the “6 Traits of Writing”, and “Step up to Writing”. Students will have opportunities to make electronic as well as permanent product entries into journals and electronic portfolios.
Technology will be integrated into the Language Arts curriculum through directed writing assignments which are to be researched using the Internet, and typed, using a word processor. Students will learn to present information they have learned by putting together slide show presentations for the class, using simple graphics and key words. Teachers will work closely with the technology specialist to create across the curriculum lesson plans that give them multiple opportunities to model a variety of technologies in their instruction. The emphasis on technology and writing will enhance Core curriculum standards in both language arts and educational technology.
K-6 Science and Social Studies texts will be selected from Prentice Hall materials which most accurately align to the Core standards and objectives. Manipulatives, experiments, surveys, and research infused with technology will provide a well-rounded blend of fundamental basics and knowledge. Students will be mastering information supportive of proficiency and above proficiency knowledge levels.
Educational Technology
Technology will be used to increase student learning and the understanding of concepts. The technology and learning will be interwoven to produce competency in core subjects and technology. The goal of the teaching staff will be to give students the opportunity to engage in a well-rounded experience of learning and technology. The USOE Educational Technology Core states “…this core should not be taught in isolation of other core content but integrated throughout. Technology is integrated when "it is used in a seamless manner to support and extend curriculum objectives and to engage students in meaningful learning. It is not something one does separately; it is part of the daily activities taking place in the classroom." (Dias, Laurie B., Integrating Technology, Learning & Leading with Technology, November 1999, p. 11).
Quest Academy will model this philosophy and teaching and learning with technology will be enhanced by community and professional partnerships.
In Language Arts, teachers will be expected to include the use of spoken, written, and visual language to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences through the use of technological and informational resources to gather and synthesize information. These technological resources help create and communicate knowledge.
In Math, students learn that mathematics is a symbolic language common to all cultures. Math is everywhere and technology enhances students’ understanding of the world around them by allowing them to electronically retrieve information and communicate ideas to their peers.
Technology can be used to increase student understanding of scientific inquiry. In Social Studies, technology helps to put world history in perspective utilizing a variety of visual resources in combination with historical information found in texts to give the student a global view of happenings in widely separated parts of the world.
Professional development, teacher evaluation, and yearly goal setting will be focused on Quest’s mission to provide students a challenging, technology rich environment, enabling young citizens to become leaders prepared for the challenges of an evolving global community.
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