Northeast Academy offers an academically rigorous and content-rich curriculum that result in high student achievement. To accomplish our mission, we have selected strong, research based curriculum and instructional methodologies.
Core Knowledge
The Core Knowledge Sequence will provide the framework for Northeast Academy. The Sequence is based on the idea that learning takes place gradually. That, as children grow, they learn by building on what they already know. The Sequence defines a solid, specific, sequential base of knowledge that is taught on a grade-by-grade basis in each subject area. This ‘core’ provides a challenging, enlightening continuum of knowledge that will equip children for advanced education. There are several good resources to help you discover more about the Core Knowledge curriculum and philosophy. E.D. Hirsch’s series of books, What your first-grader needs to know, etc., can be found at most bookstores and libraries. These books offer a comprehensive look into the content taught each school year in any Core Knowledge school. The Core Knowledge Institute also has a web site: www.coreknowledge.org While our Core Knowledge program provides our students with a rich grounding in great literature and a sound understanding of world history, there are two particular programs that we would like to provide additional details on:
Singapore Math
Singapore Math is the name given to the math curriculum developed in the country of Singapore and now used in many schools and districts across the U.S. The math content in Singapore Math is the same as the math content that we were taught in school. The content hasn't changed. What is most different about Singapore Math is the philosophy about what is to be emphasized and the pedagogy about how the content is taught. The word "elementary" in "elementary school mathematics" from a Singapore Math perspective means fundamental, foundational. It does not mean easy or simple. Singapore Math recognizes that for children, what they learn in elementary school is the basis of all future math learning and thus focuses on problem solving and the base-ten system
First, it’s important to recognize that there is no single “U.S. approach.” In this country, most curriculum decisions are made at the local or state level. In Singapore, the Ministry of Education determines what will be taught nationwide. That said, certain elements of the Singapore approach are distinctly different from what’s typical in the U.S. Although some of these strategies may be used on their own in U.S. schools, it would be rare to find all of them in an American classroom that is not adopting or supplementing with Singapore Math. Examples include:
- Model drawing and an emphasis on the concept of part-whole that precedes the teaching of model drawing
- Mental Math: Techniques encourage understanding of mathematical properties and promote numerical fluency • Daily activities to build on teacher-directed lessons
- “Look and talks” to build understanding of mathematical language
- Number bonds, ten frames, and place value charts
- The connection of pictures, words, and numbers
- Absence of Clutter and Distraction: Presentation is clean and clear and uses simple, concise explanations (from Staff Development for Educators).
"The Singapore Math curriculum is concept-based, with a progression from visual to pictorial to abstract that ends with mastery. It is not “New Math” – it is math the way it should be taught; math the way mathematicians understand it.... It is conceptual, not algorithmic; visual not rote, and it is fun. Fun to teach and fun to learn, since it is based on understanding, not memorization." (from The Pi Project homepage.)
Spalding’s
Spalding’s Writing Road to Reading is a total language arts programs. All elements of the language are integrated in spelling, writing, and reading lessons, i.e., phonemic awareness, system phonics, high-frequency vocabulary, word meanings and usages, word parts, grammar, composition, literary appreciation, text structure, fluency, listening, and reading comprehension. The Spalding Method is explicit, sequential, multisensory, and diagnostic. Students are not only willing and active participants during Spalding lessons, but their learning is purposeful thus enabling them to learn the importance of every task.
Music, Art, P. E. and Technology: All children deserve to be introduced to the magic of art and music at a young age. Music and art are integral components of the Core Knowledge curriculum. In Core Knowledge, art and music content often parallels the material taught in other subjects.
NACS provides P. E. for all students. Students also have the opportunity to be physically active during daily recess.
