Ladoga Elementary School seamlessly integrates the CREATE2THINK STEM Curriculum from Kindergarten through 5th grade, providing students with a solid foundation in science and engineering. Our choice of this curriculum is rooted in empirical evidence and adheres to the renowned 5E Instructional Model. The CREATE2THINK program's stages align seamlessly with the 5E model, encompassing Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate, delivering a research-supported, methodical approach to STEM education. Moreover, CREATE2THINK is meticulously aligned with Indiana's Academic Standards in science and engineering, ensuring that our students not only excel in a nurturing and innovative learning environment but also meet the state's rigorous educational standards.

Ladoga Elementary School has enthusiastically adopted CREATE2THINK as a central pillar of our STEM initiative for several years. This innovative program has empowered our students to participate in diverse imaginative projects, engage in critical analysis, and collaborate on problem-solving tasks, thereby sparking their curiosity and fostering a culture of innovative thinking. CREATE2THINK has profoundly reshaped our school into a vibrant center of STEM engagement, equipping our students with the confidence and forward-thinking mindset essential for addressing the challenges they will encounter in their future pursuits.

Ladoga Elementary is committed to providing computer science learning opportunities for all students, achieved through a strategic partnership with Equitable Education Solutions (EES). EES's meticulously crafted Computer Science Scope and Sequence, aligned with Indiana Academic Standards and tailored to various grade levels, ensures the seamless integration of computer science education throughout every classroom. Armed with well-structured lesson plans and engaging activities, Ladoga's teachers are adept at introducing students to computer science concepts, delivering a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that extends to every student in our school.

In a steadfast commitment to nurture well-rounded, career-ready individuals, Ladoga Elementary seamlessly incorporates the Indiana Employability Skills framework into the daily curriculum for all students. Through a fusion of interactive classroom instruction, practical problem-solving exercises, and community engagement initiatives, Ladoga Elementary ensures that each student attains indispensable employability skills. This approach serves as a vital foundation for their success in the continually evolving workforce of tomorrow.

Ladoga remains steadfast in its commitment to establishing an educational environment that is both inclusive and advantageous for all students, including those requiring special educational services. Our general classroom educators and Special Education professionals work in tandem, forging a close collaboration to guarantee equitable access to STEM and general educational experiences for every student. This collaboration transcends being merely a best practice; it is ingrained in the core of our educational ideology. Our objective is to seamlessly integrate STEM learning into the wider curriculum while simultaneously crafting and executing tailored accommodations to address the distinct requirements of each student.

At Ladoga Elementary School, we employ a diverse array of assessment techniques to provide a comprehensive evaluation of STEM education within our classrooms. Each teacher utilizes a combination of both formal and informal assessments, encompassing formative and summative approaches, to gain a holistic understanding of each student's progress and grasp of the material. At the heart of this evaluation process lies the CREATE2THINK curriculum, which offers a wealth of assessment tools, including Exit Tickets, Performance Tasks, THINK Journals, and Unit rubrics. This multifaceted assessment strategy not only provides a well-rounded perspective on students' comprehension of STEM principles but also fosters a culture of constructive feedback, propelling continuous learning and enhancement.