Curriculum
Throop Elementary School
Why I Teach - Paoli 02.mp4Throop is proud to introduce our 5th Grade Math Teacher
Aaron Hannon
Throop Elementary School employs the CREATE2THINK STEM curriculum, which aligns with the 5-E Instructional Model, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. Over three years, the school has integrated this curriculum, witnessing enhanced student skills and collaborating with STEM Education Works for further enrichment. STEM Education Works emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving while highlighting the importance of early STEM exposure. Throop also champions computer science education through a partnership with Equitable Education Solutions, ensuring alignment with Indiana Academic Standards. They integrate the Indiana Employability Skills framework into their curriculum, preparing students for future careers. Inclusivity is paramount, with collaborative planning ensuring all learners are catered to. Lastly, diverse assessment methods, including Exit Tickets and THINK Journals, provide comprehensive feedback on students' STEM understanding.
2.1 Curriculum Integration
The CREATE2THINK STEM curriculum is carefully designed to align with the highly effective 5-E Instructional Model, enabling students to engage in a comprehensive and structured learning experience. Each phase of CREATE2THINK corresponds to a specific phase of the 5-E Model, fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through this intentional alignment, CREATE2THINK provides a structured framework for students to develop a deep understanding of STEM concepts and skills.
2.2 Curriculum Implementation
Over the course of three years, Throop Elementary School has ardently embraced the integrated STEM curriculum, CREATE2THINK, and partnered with STEM Education Works to nurture a rich learning environment. Through this holistic approach, the school has witnessed a notable transformation in students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering a robust foundation for their future academic and professional endeavors in STEM. The collaborative efforts with STEM Education Works have further enriched the educational experience by providing cutting-edge resources and professional development, thereby propelling Throop Elementary on a path of continuous growth in STEM education.
2.3 Computer Science
Throop Elementary is committed to providing computer science learning opportunities for all students which is achieved through a strategic partnership with Equitable Education Solutions. EES's meticulously crafted Computer Science Scope and Sequence, aligned with Indiana Academic Standards and grade-banded, ensures seamless integration of computer science education into every classroom. With thoughtfully structured lesson plans and activities, Throop's teachers can confidently engage students in computer science concepts, offering a comprehensive and enriching learning experience that reaches 100% of our students.
2.4 Employability Skills
In a concerted effort to foster well-rounded, career-ready individuals, Throop Elementary harnesses the Indiana Employability Skills framework, weaving it seamlessly into the daily curriculum for all students. Through a blend of interactive classroom instruction, real-world problem-solving exercises, and community engagement initiatives, Throop ensures every child garners the vital employability skills, paving the way for their success in the dynamic workforce of tomorrow.
2.5 Access and Opportunity for All Learners
At Throop Elementary, a culture of collaborative planning among general education, special education, high ability, and supportive service teachers is the cornerstone for creating an inclusive STEM learning environment. These cross-disciplinary teams dedicate time to meticulously plan, develop, and refine STEM materials ensuring they cater to the diverse learning needs and abilities of all students. Through a synergistic approach, they constantly evolve the STEM content, making it more engaging and accessible, while ensuring that it challenges and nurtures the inquisitive minds of their students. This collaborative ethos not only enriches the STEM program at Throop but also fosters a supportive learning ecosystem where every student has the opportunity to explore, learn, and thrive in the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
2.6 Assessments
At Throop Elementary, we employ a wide array of assessment methods to thoroughly evaluate the STEM education occurring in our classrooms. Every teacher utilizes a combination of formal and informal, formative and summative assessments to gain a holistic insight into each student's progress and grasp of the material. The CREATE2THINK curriculum plays a pivotal role in this process, offering a plethora of assessment tools, including Exit Tickets, Performance Tasks, THINK Journals, and Unit rubrics. This diverse approach to assessment not only provides a comprehensive view of students' understanding of STEM concepts but also fosters a culture of constructive feedback that drives ongoing learning and enhancement.