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Davidson Academy learners demonstrate STEAM literacy outcomes that prepare them for the next level of learning and work.
Davidson Academy learners demonstrate STEAM literacy outcomes that prepare them for the next level of learning and work.
Curriculum Integration & Alignment
Curriculum Integration & Alignment
Algebra II Curriculum Map.pdfPacing Guide AP English Literature (HS).pdfGraphic Design Curriculum Map.pdfWeb Design Curriculum Map.pdfPacing Guide Social Studies 01.pdfBiology Curriculum Map.pdfAt Davidson Academy, our curriculum is purposefully designed to integrate STEAM principles across all grade levels, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for future academic and career success. Through a range of cross-disciplinary projects, we embed STEAM learning objectives within core subjects, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. For example, elementary students engage in hands-on activities such as the Egg Drop Challenge and a chick-hatching project that incorporates elements of physics, biology, and engineering. At the middle school level, courses like Robotics and STEAM electives offer practical, project-based learning experiences that combine math, technology, and the arts. High school students further deepen their understanding through advanced coursework in AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Computer Science Principles, and a variety of STEAM-focused electives, which are aligned with national and state standards.
To ensure effective curriculum integration, we continuously assess student progress and realign our instructional strategies to meet evolving educational standards. Our recent curriculum realignment in mathematics, for instance, ensures foundational courses like Algebra I and II are taught consecutively to minimize skill loss and better prepare students for advanced topics such as calculus. This approach is complemented by a school-wide emphasis on STEAM activities and projects, which encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, such as designing sustainable cities in AP Human Geography or creating websites in our Web Design course. These initiatives support our goal of equipping students with essential skills for the 21st century, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
STEAM Student Performance Data
STEAM Student Performance Data
Davidson Academy’s commitment to fostering STEAM literacy is evident through the positive trends in student performance data across various assessments. For instance, since the launch of our STEAM initiative for the 2022-23 school year, we have observed a substantial increase in the number of students pursuing STEAM majors, with 35% or more of our graduates declaring a STEAM field in both 2023 and 2024. Our ERB assessment results show that over 80% of students consistently scored at or above grade level in all subject areas, including Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning.
Our high school students’ performance on the ACT further supports our focus on STEAM readiness. Notably, the Class of 2025 showed significant growth in math and science scores between 10th and 11th grades, highlighting the impact of our enhanced curriculum and targeted test preparation strategies. On Advanced Placement (AP) exams, our students have also excelled, with 100% pass rates in AP Calculus and significant improvements in AP Computer Science Principles, where the mean score rose from 2.63 to 3.0, surpassing state and global averages. These results demonstrate our commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in STEAM disciplines and beyond.
This positive trend is further supported by performance data from the ERB standardized test, where students in grades 1-7 outperformed their peers in both state and national averages. Moreover, student surveys and feedback indicate a heightened enthusiasm for STEM subjects, with more than 35% of graduating seniors declaring STEAM majors in both 2023 and 2024. These results underscore the effectiveness of our STEAM program in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the next level of learning and future careers.
Technology Integration
Technology Integration
At Davidson Academy, technology is seamlessly woven into our STEAM curriculum to enhance learning, foster creativity, and prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world. From elementary through high school, students engage with cutting-edge tools and platforms that support both collaborative and individualized learning. Our students utilize platforms such as Google Classroom, Desmos, and various coding environments to develop essential digital skills. Middle and high school students delve deeper into technology with courses like Robotics, where they learn programming and automation using VEX Robotics kits, and Web Design, where they master HTML and CSS to build interactive websites. Additionally, technology integration is evident across all disciplines, with teachers utilizing digital resources to support inquiry-based learning and project development.
Davidson Academy students not only gain proficiency in digital literacy and computational thinking but also develop a confident and adaptable mindset toward technology, essential for success in both higher education and future careers.
Assessing Student Mastery
Assessing Student Mastery
At Davidson Academy, middle school students engage in goal-setting activities to track their progress on standardized benchmark assessments. After their first milestone, students meet with teachers to review their individual data. Teachers then guide students through the process of creating SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—based on their data. Using this information, students set a SMART goal for their next benchmark assessment.
As part of this process, students complete a goal form, calculating the percentage improvements they aim to achieve. After the second milestone, students evaluate whether they met their goals or need to adjust them. This cycle continues throughout the year with each assessment. In addition to setting goals, students chart their progress using bar graphs, allowing them to visualize their growth and take ownership of their academic journey.
These practices—data conferencing, goal setting, and progress tracking—support students in developing key STEAM skills while preparing them for future academic challenges, including the 8th grade Pre-ACT.
ERB Milestone SMART Goal Sheet Math.pdfMS Study Island Data Meetings for Teachers.pdfRegular meetings to discuss student growth and areas of improvement are integral to ensuring learners' readiness for their transition to STEAM learning. During these sessions, teachers meticulously examine question type and content fidelity, identifying trends and discussing class goal setting. This collaborative approach allows educators to tailor instruction to meet the needs of individual learners and address any gaps in preparation for their next level of STEAM learning. Evidence supporting learners' readiness and academic preparedness for this transition is derived from the comprehensive analysis conducted during these meetings, which includes data from benchmark testing using the program Study Island. By closely monitoring student progress and aligning instructional strategies with STEAM objectives, teachers ensure that learners are meeting expectations in both knowledge and skill acquisition within the STEAM domain. This ongoing assessment and adjustment process not only fosters learners' academic growth but also strengthens their confidence and proficiency in STEAM disciplines, equipping them for success in their educational journey.
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