Curriculum

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STEM Excellence through Curriculum

South Central Elementary School has truly become a beacon of STEM excellence, fully integrating the research-based CREATE2THINK curriculum across all grades, K-6. Over the past three years, this transformational curriculum has turned the school into a dynamic playground of innovation, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. The school takes a comprehensive approach, incorporating not just curriculum but also computer science skills, employability skills, and a focus on accessibility for all learners. Through partnerships with organizations like Code.org and a dedicated Professional Learning Communities (PLC) system, the school creates a tailored and inclusive STEM experience. A diverse and thoughtful assessment strategy further ensures that the program is continually refined and effectively engaging for each student. The staff's dedication and strategic approach have led to an exciting, fully-rounded STEM program that not only meets but exceeds state standards.

2.1 Curriculum Integration

At South Central Elementary School, we seamlessly integrate the CREATE2THINK STEM Curriculum from Kindergarten through 6th grade, ensuring a strong foundation in science and engineering. Our implementation is evidence-based, following the well-established 5E Instructional Model. CREATE2THINK's phases align perfectly with the 5E model - Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate - providing our students with a research-based, scaffolded approach to STEM education. Furthermore, CREATE2THINK is thoughtfully aligned with Indiana Academic Standards for science and engineering, ensuring that our students not only thrive in a creative and innovative learning environment but also meet the state's rigorous educational requirements.

2.1 Curriculum Integration

2.2 Curriculum Implementation

Over the past three years, South Central Elementary School has fully embraced CREATE2THINK as a cornerstone of our STEM initiative and educational approach. Through this innovative program, our students have engaged in a multitude of creative projects, critical thinking exercises, and collaborative problem-solving activities, igniting their curiosity and nurturing their innovative spirit. CREATE2THINK has truly transformed our school into a dynamic hub of STEM engagement, empowering our students to become confident, forward-thinking individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

2.2 Curriculum Implementation

2.3 Computer Science

At South Central Elementary School, our students utilize a range of instructional technology equipment and tools to enhance their STEM learning. They engage in hands-on activities like data collection and analysis, design and creation of digital projects, and virtual simulations to develop problem-solving skills. Additionally, our students benefit from Common Sense's Digital Citizenship Curriculum, which equips them with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely. Moreover, through our partnership with Code.org, students have access to age-appropriate coding resources and activities that foster digital creativity, turning them into proficient digital creators and critical thinkers, preparing them for success in our ever-evolving technological landscape.

2.3 Computer Science

2.4 Employability Skills

At South Central Elementary School, the alignment of the Indiana Employability Skills within our STEM curriculum is a deliberate endeavor to prepare 100% of students for a prosperous future. The school utilizes the CREATE2THINK STEM curriculum, which seamlessly aligns with the Indiana Employability Skills across all units, providing a robust framework for holistic education. An integral component of this curriculum is the assessment option it avails, enabling teachers to offer timely and meaningful feedback on employability skills through the integrated STEM instruction. Furthermore, the Master Schedule is crafted thoughtfully to incorporate a weekly slot where the School Counselor engages with every student, nurturing their Employability Skills, thus ensuring a well-rounded educational experience with a strong foundation in both STEM and essential life skills.

2.4 Employability Skills

2.5 Access and Opportunity for All Learners

At South Central Elementary School, the melding of minds occurs every week during Professional Learning Communities (PLC) sessions, where general education, special education, and supportive service teachers unite with a common purpose - fostering a conducive STEM learning environment for all students, regardless of their learning needs. With a shared vision, they meticulously review the STEM curriculum, identifying areas where students with unique learning needs may require additional support or modified instruction. Through an iterative process of discussion, sharing resources, and co-planning, they devise inclusive instructional strategies ensuring that STEM material is accessible and engaging for 100% of their learners. The collaborative spirit of these sessions manifests in the classroom, where tailored STEM activities spark curiosity and understanding among all students, truly embodying an inclusive and adaptive learning environment.

2.5 Access and Opportunity for All Learners

2.6 Assessments

At South Central Elementary, a diverse variety of assessment methods are employed to meticulously evaluate the STEM learning taking place in classrooms. 100% of teachers leverage both formal and informal, formative and summative assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of each student's progress and comprehension. Through the implementation of the CREATE2THINK curriculum, myriad assessment tools such as Exit Tickets, Performance Tasks, THINK Journals, and the Unit rubrics become instrumental in providing insightful feedback. This diverse assessment approach not only captures a multi-dimensional view of students' STEM understanding but also fosters a rich feedback culture that propels continual learning and improvement.

2.6 Assessments

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