Curriculum

Curriculum for all core classes is derived from the Common Core State Standards (CCSS for math, reading, writing), California standards (science and social studies), and LA Archdiocese (religion).

Curriculum is periodically checked for alignment vertically and horizontally across grade levels. For a detailed description of our courses by grade bands, click the links below.

TK

Learning Targets: What do students learn in TK?

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN (OVERVIEW)

At Assumption, TK starts for children who are 4 years old by September 1. The goal for Assumption’s youngest group of children is to become socio-emotionally and academically prepared for Kindergarten. TK serves as a “bridge” between the Preschool and Kindergarten experiences. TK follows the Archdiocese of Los Angeles TK Standards.

Socio-Emotional Skills are modeled, taught and discussed every day from the beginning of the school year. Students develop self-awareness, interpersonal awareness, self-regulation, self-expression,communication, and social interaction. TK students demonstrate understanding of the Socio-Emotional Skills discussed in class during their universal access time, group work at centers, and daily interactions with peers and adults.

Religion is integrated throughout TK’s daily routine. TK students will learn class prayers, about the Church holidays, and will attend mass following Easter break.

English Language Arts focuses on the development of foundational reading and writing skills. TK begins with a focus on fine motor skills to get their “writing muscles” ready. They will engage in a letter study, learning the sound and identification of each letter of the alphabet. They will draw pictures to represent language and will begin to identify pre primer dolch sight words. Students will draw connections to books read in class and will spend time telling a story using the pictures in a familiar book.

Math provides foundational skills which include: shapes, writing numbers 0-10, 1:1 correspondence to 10, rote counting to 30, sorting, patterning, and subtraction and addition within 10. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the concepts using manipulatives, writing .

Social Studies and Science will be taught interchangeably. Social Studies will concentrate on lessons about being a good citizen, jobs, the concept of time, holidays, and maps. Science investigations will include many hands on experiences related to: Earth Science (weather, seasons, solar system), Physical Science(observations, physical properties, and energy) and Life Science(plants, animals and stages of life).

TK also attends specials classes: Technology, Music, Spanish, Art, and PE.

TK & K INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: HOW DO WE TEACH?

Instructional methods include a variety of individual, partner, small group and whole group instruction and support. Daily conversations and conferences with, and among students, under teacher guidance, are designed to motivate, engage, and increase learning. We recognize that even in kindergarten students are at different levels of learning and not all are at the same pace. Therefore, we differentiate our instruction to best serve our students.

ASSESSMENTS: HOW DO WE KNOW STUDENTS LEARNED?

Assessments are done in consistent and ongoing ways. At this level, those assessments include:

Informal anecdotal record keeping done by the teacher
Curriculum based assessments
Parent/Teacher conferences

Kindergarten

Learning Targets: What do students learn in Kindergarten?

KINDERGARTEN (OVERVIEW)

In kindergarten, academics increase using the Common Core Standards in math, reading and writing. State standards are used as a foundation for learning targets in social studies and science. Religion instruction is derived from the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese. Music, technology, art, and PE are taught weekly and integrated throughout all daily instruction.

Religion is integrated throughout the day. Students learn basic prayers, the sign of the cross, and begin the study of Jesus’ from before and after his birth.

Reading acquisition is based on teaching strong foundational skills in sound:lettercorrespondence (phonics), basic sight words, and initial fluency in reading aloud. Comprehension is developed through specific instruction of reading strategies, prompted questioning techniques, and rich conversation where children make connections to text and self. With Common Core, we focus on developing BOTH literary and informational text skills. Our goal is that all students reach and exceed the Common Core standards being promoted to first grade with exceptional foundational reading skills and concepts.

Writing utilizes both Common Core writing standards and research based writing methodologies. Students learn early that they are all writers with something important to say. Using phonetic spelling and drawing to begin, students produce short narratives, informational “how to” writing, and simple persuasive paragraphs. They learn the basic grammar of sentence construction, craft, organization, and elaboration while engaging in the writing process.

Math skills focus on counting, cardinality and overall number sense. Students learn that numbers represent quantity and can be used to solve simple addition/subtraction computational problems. We establish basic foundations in the areas of algebra, measurement, geometry, and mathematical reasoning. Math is applied to real life situations.

In science we provide hands-on activities and exploration to help develop skills of scientific concepts and vocabulary in areas of physical, life and earth science. Focusing on their five senses, students investigate a variety of objects: classifying, comparing and sorting. With prompting from the teacher as needed, they learn to ask questions, make observations, collect simple data, and make predictions in preparation for more formal scientific inquiry in later grades.

Social Studies begins with a focus on what it means to be a good citizen. We discuss feeling and problem-solving tactics. Throughout the year we learn about holidays and important historical figures. Further areas of study include map skills, past and present, community helpers and American symbols.

Grades 1 & 2

Learning Targets: What do students learn in 1st & 2nd Grade?

(Overview)

Academics increase using the Common Core Standards in math, reading and writing. State standards are used as a foundation for learning targets in social studies and science. Religion instruction is derived from the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese. Spanish draws from national language standards and is conversation focused. Music, technology, art, and PE are taught weekly and integrated throughout all daily instruction.

Religion is integrated throughout the day. Students learn basic prayers, the sign of the cross, and begin the study of Jesus’ from his birth.

Reading acquisition is based on teaching strong foundational skills in sound:letter correspondence (phonics), basic sight words, and initial fluency in reading aloud. Comprehension is developed through specific instruction of reading strategies, prompted questioning techniques, and rich conversation where children make connections to text and self. With Common Core, we focus on developing BOTH literary and informational text skills. Our goal is that all students reach, and exceed, the common core standards “graduating” to first grade, with exceptional foundational reading skills and concepts.

Writing Workshop. Assumption utilizes both common core writing standards and Columbia College writing methodology research. Students learn early that they are all writers with something important to say. Using phonetic spelling and sketching to begin, students produce short narrative stories, informational “how to” books, and simple persuasive letters. They learn the basic grammar of sentence construction, craft, organization, and elaboration while engaging in the writing process of “think, plan, sketch, draft, revise, edit, publish (fancy up) and celebrate.

Social Studies begins with a focus on what children bring from their experience in families and communities. Kindergarten utilizes Story Path to learn about communities and create a park. Students consider important features of a park and design how to make best use of a space for the community. They learn what it means to be a good citizen and study national symbols of the flag and pledge.

Instructional Methods: How Do We Teach?

TK and Kindergarten materials/strategies include:

leveled books for small group guided reading
Content textbook series
Prompted questions and conferencing with students
Use of concrete objects (manipulatives)
Use of Ipad technology in centers
Use of multiple theories of learning styles – movement, song, visual, auditory, etc.
Mini lesson full group instruction
Structured choice whenever possible
Continual individual progress assessments
Establishing clear routines and high expectations to maximize instructional time and progress

We deploy instruction in ways that encourage students to see themselves as thinkers, writers, and mathematicians in every learning experience. In TK through Kindergarten, we begin the journey towards assisting students to understand HOW the learning process works.

Assessments: How Do We Know Students Learned?

Assessments are done in consistent and ongoing ways. At these levels, those assessments include:

Informal anecdotal record keeping done by the teacher

Classroom based assessments and tests including beginning use of Core Instructional Model

Rubrics (both student and teacher based

Standards based report cards (utilizing a 4 point scale)

Writing samples/published pieces – evaluation

Developmental Reading Assessment 2 (1:1 student/teacher) given to all students in the fall and spring

STAR Enterprise online assessments in reading, math, and literacy (4 times per year)

Parent/Teacher conferences

Grades 3 – 5

Learning Targets: What do students learn in 3rd, 4th & 5th grade?

(OVERVIEW)

Religion is integrated throughout the day. Students will engage in various prayer opportunities, and develop a stronger relationship with God through the Rosary, Scripture, and participating in the liturgical seasons of the Church. Knowledge of the signs and symbols of the Sacraments are strengthened, and students will learn how to model their lives after the saints. Furthermore, these grades work together to lead the school in the Living Stations of the Cross during Lent.

Reading in these intermediate grades now shifts from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’. Following the Common Core standards, students experience reading through focused selections, mentor texts, multi-media texts, and novel studies. Direct instruction is given in practical reading strategies, while students gain understanding in a variety of genres including literature and expository texts.

Writing. Assumption utilizes both common core writing standards and research-based writing methodologies. Writing is taught using the writing process of “Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing, Publishing”. Areas of concentration are personal and fictional narratives, persuasive essays, and informational/research reports. Special emphasis is given on the mechanics of writing including capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure.

Math is taught using the Saxon Math program that was introduced in the primary grades. Students are encouraged to use their critical thinking skills in approaching word problems, and use strategic tools to solve numerical expressions. Math lessons are aligned to Common Core standards in place value, the four operations (with a special focus on multiplication and long division), fractions, interpreting data, algebra readiness, and geometry. Daily review in previous concepts learned contributes to mastery in mathematical proficiency and fluency.

In Science we provide hands-on activities and exploration to help develop skills of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and vocabulary in areas of physical, life and earth science. Students investigate a variety of topics and learn the steps of the scientific method. They learn to ask questions, make observations, collect data, and formulate hypotheses when conducting experiments.

In Social Studies, third graders study landforms, geography, map skills, Native American cultures, and how communities formed and how they differ from today. Fourth graders study California history and geography through hands-on activities, projects, and field trips that help bring the learning to life. Fifth graders discover the founding of our country, the Thirteen colonies, and the American Revolution.

Grades 6 – 8

English Language Arts

The goal of the junior high English Language Arts program is to give students a deeper and more challenging understanding of reading, vocabulary, writing, and grammar. Students are required to make real-life connections as they respond to literature in the classroom. Various genres of literature are explored during the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade years including novels, short stories, poetry, and teleplays. Students use critical thinking skills as they analyze text. Various forms of assessments are used including group collaboration to check for understanding. Ongoing vocabulary development to enhance student learning is embedded into instruction. Students are encouraged to read each night for homework to develop a love of reading and foster independence.

Students strengthen their grammar skills through the use of direct instruction grammar lessons. In 8th grade, students work daily to sharpen grammar skills in anticipation of high school. Grammar skills transfer to writing responses. Writing exploration includes personal narrative, literary analysis, and research. Students use graphic organizers in planning for assignments, understand the skill of drafting, revise their work, edit the product, and create a final product. These skills foster students to be well-prepared for the high school environment.

Mathematics

The math program at Assumption is rigorous, holding every student to an attainable high standard and preparing them for high school math and beyond. Students are expected not only to give an answer to a problem, but to explain and justify their thinking. The mathematical process is as important as the product, and students develop strong problem-solving skills. Not only do they learn curricular standards (7th grade Pre-Algebra and 8th grade Algebra 1), but they practice applying these skills to think critically about the world around them. The corrections process requires students to fix their mistakes daily, ensuring they master each concept before moving on to the next one. Instruction is informed by data and adjusted to meet the needs of the class and individuals through benchmarks (STAR math), formal assessments (chapter tests), and ongoing informal assessments (daily exit tickets). Instruction is highly differentiated and includes: cross- grade and inter-class flexible grouping, co-teaching, small-group instruction, and flipped instruction.

Science

All Junior High students begin the year learning and practicing the scientific method. The students conduct an investigative science experiment of their choice making predictions, conducting experiments and drawing conclusions. The information is compiled into a detailed report outlining their findings and a video is created to share with the class. The project culminates with the Junior High Science Fair recognizing students for their outstanding projects.

Using the Next Generation Science Standards, the sixth-grade studies earth science, the seventh-grade studies life science and the eighth- grade class studies physical science.

In sixth-grade, as part of the scientific method, the students learn standards of measurement using tools such as the triple beam balance to help them determine mass and density of objects. The students explore the lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere in their study of the earth. The students will create models of convection currents, seafloor spreading and volcanoes. They will conduct tests for mineral hardness and build structures that may withstand “jello earthquakes”.

In seventh-grade the students are introduced to the basic concepts of biology and the characteristics of living things: the structure of cells, genetics and the function of human cell tissues, organs and organ systems. The students create models for cells, and DNA molecules. They illustrate the differences of mitosis and meiosis, pass a “virus” around the class to see how easily they can spread and compete for survival like Darwins’ Finches. The students learn how to use Punnet Squares to make predictions about genetic outcomes and create models of different parts of the body to better understand organ systems.

In eighth-grade, the students learn about atoms, elements and the Periodic Table. They learn about basic chemical reactions making ice cream, endothermic and exothermic reactions working with potatoes and liver and learn to balance basic chemical formulas. The students end the year by studying Newton’s Laws by creating bottle rockets and racing balloon cars.

Social Studies

History Alive! The Ancient World introduces 6th graders to the beginnings of the human story. As they explore the great early civilizations of Egypt and the Near East, India, China, Greece, and Rome, students discover the secrets of these ancient cultures that continue to influence the modern world.

History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond has 7th graders exploring the legacy of civilizations from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to Asia and the Americas.

History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism immerses 8th graders in a powerful journey through the history of the United States from its earliest foundations to the age of industrialism.

All of junior high will explore history using a variety of methods, including discussion, notes, group projects, individual projects, iMovie presentations, cultural presentations, and many more. It is a very interactive class! Junior high studies the archaeological process, including dating, classifying, and comparing artifacts and fossils. They will examine the origins of, and describe the characteristics of civilized society. Special instruction will be given in information literacy and research, including evaluation of sources for accuracy, relevance, and bias. Research and writing skills, including MLA in-text citations, will be taught throughout the year.

Other subjects taught: World Language, P.E., Art, Music, and Computers

Core subjects at Assumption include:

English Language Arts (reading, writing, spelling, grammar, handwriting, vocabulary, and listening skills)

Mathematics (concepts taught in number sense, algebra, measurement, geometry,probability/statistics and increasingly rigorous mathematical reasoning and problem solving)

Religion (prayer, sacraments, Commandments, Gospel teachings, Bible study, andCatholic tradition, saints and history) Students attend a school-wide Mass every Wednesday

Science (earth, physical, biological and earth sciences are taught within the context of scientific method). We are transitioning into the Next Generation science standards as they become available

Social Studies – Broad range of topics from kindergarten “communities” to 4th grade California state, to 6th grade world civilizations, culminating in 8th grade civics and U.S. History

Spanish – conversation emphasis in primary grades with more complex writing and grammar structure study beginning in 4th grade.

Other subjects taught once a week include: E., art, computers, choir, and library.