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Curriculum

Here at Cowell we have a very dedicated staff. We are committed to our community and have high expectations for all our students. We value our parents and encourage them to participate in school functions and assist their students with daily homework.
 
Curriculum Programs
 
LITERACY PROGRAM

The Elementary Literacy Program including reading and writing. It is a three- to three-and-half-hour block in reading workshop, writing workshop, skills block, and English-language development for second-language learners. Each instructional block is organized in a workshop format with time for whole group instruction, small group support for guided practice, and independent work time.  The teacher plans for instruction based on students' needs and standards.

In each classroom students are able to:

  • Select books from an extensive classroom library that focuses on their  interests, offers a variety of genres, and provides an array of reading levels
  • Plan, draft, and write in a writer's notebook
  • Attend regularly scheduled reading conferences with their teacher to assess progress
English Language Development

Avenues is a program used school-wide to help students develop academic language including grammar, vocabulary and language usage. The science and social studies themes presented in each unit are connected to grade level standards/content. Students receive a minimum of 45 minutes of English Language Development instruction daily.

math: MATH PROGRAMS
EVERYDAY MATHEMATICS

The Everyday Mathematics adopted by Cowell provides a rigorous and balanced curriculum aligned with National Standards. This curriculum builds on children's critical thinking as well as their concrete knowledge. It features:
  • Expanding on what students have learned in previous grades
  • Solving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems through mental calculations. This new way looks different than when we were in school.
  • Arranging topics in a spiral format, that is, introducing students to new math concepts and building upon their understanding of these concepts at each grade level so learning and practice of skills and basic concepts are distributed over time, rather than all at once
  • Free online Everyday Math Games are available to help students practice facts. Please remember your password.
cannon line SCIENCE

The redesigned elementary science program includes:
  • A focus placed on principles (big ideas) in earth, life, and physical sciences
  • A research-based, constructivist approach to learning
  • Includes embedded formative assessments
  • Science as inquiry
  • Provides literacy strategies
  • Aligns with Colorado science standards and CSAP science assessment framework
  • Includes kits for hands-on learning.
To see the required topics for each grade, visit the Science Curriculum Matrix. 

INFORMATION LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY
students prepare for the 21st Century by developing Information Literacy and Technology Skills.
                 
LEARNERS USE SKILLS, RESOURCES & TOOLS TO:
  1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge
  2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge
  3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society
  4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth
Visit Information Literacy and Technology Matrix to see proficiencies for each grade level.
Also, to learn about Vital Technology Skills being taught in our computer lab, click on its link.

exercises PHYSICAL EDUCATION & DANCE

The new Dance/PE program is intended to encourage students to be physically and mentally active. Students will focus on seven key areas of physical discipline: rhythm, balance, coordination, endurance, flexibility, strength, and concentration.

VISUAL ARTS
Both Art and Music are provided for our students during weekly rotations. These programs are designed to help students use the arts as a form of creativity and communication. Here at Cowell, we offer our students a rigorous Art and Music program that helps them relate the arts and to various historical and cultural traditions. Visit their individual sites to learn more.


This page was last updated: Friday, April 17, 2009 at 1:00:24 PM

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