Manchester Elementary School has adopted a comprehensive approach to its curriculum, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for the 21st century. Here's a summary of the curriculum used by the school:
1. STEM Curriculum - Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch and Gateway (Grade 6): At the heart of Manchester's STEM education is the PLTW Launch and Gateway curriculums. The PLTW program provides students with transformative learning experiences that encourage them to think critically, collaborate, and explore. Through hands-on modules, students delve into various STEM topics, fostering a deep understanding and passion for these subjects.
2. Integration of STEM Careers with Math Curriculum: Manchester uses the Reveal Math curriculum for its mathematics instruction. What sets this curriculum apart is its unique integration of STEM careers. At the beginning of each unit, students are introduced to specific STEM careers, providing them with real-world context and showcasing the practical applications of the mathematical concepts they're learning. This approach not only enhances understanding but also inspires students to envision potential career paths in STEM fields.
3. Computer Science Instruction: Recognizing the importance of computer literacy in today's digital age, Manchester has incorporated a tailored computer science scope and sequence into its curriculum. Designed specifically for the school by EES, this program ensures that students receive a thorough grounding in computer science principles, from foundational skills to more advanced concepts.
In summary, Manchester Elementary School's curriculum is a harmonious blend of hands-on STEM learning, real-world career integration, and specialized computer science instruction. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically proficient but also well-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.
Manchester Elementary School implements the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Curriculum in their K-6 classrooms, following PLTW's APB (Activity, Project, Problem) Model of instruction, which is rooted in evidence-based practices. By engaging students in hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and real-world problem-solving scenarios, PLTW empowers students to develop critical thinking and inquiry skills while deepening their understanding of scientific and engineering concepts. Moreover, the PLTW Curriculum is thoughtfully aligned with the Indiana Academic Standards for science and engineering, ensuring that students meet the necessary benchmarks and competencies while exploring STEM disciplines in a dynamic and engaging manner.
Over the course of three years, Manchester Elementary School has implemented the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program with great success. Through PLTW's engaging curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, students have developed a deep passion for STEM subjects, honed their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and showcased their creativity through innovative projects. The sustained integration of PLTW has transformed the school into a hub of STEM exploration, nurturing a new generation of curious and enthusiastic learners ready to thrive in the ever-evolving world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Manchester Elementary School ensures that all students in their building have access to computer science learning opportunities. By incorporating computer science into the curriculum, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital world, fostering computational thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technological literacy that will benefit them in their academic and future career pursuits.
Manchester Elementary School has embraced the importance of equipping students with essential employability skills, and thus, has seamlessly integrated the Indiana Employability Skills into their comprehensive curriculum for all students. By embedding these skills, such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, into various subject areas and extracurricular activities, the school fosters a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success in both academics and their future careers, ensuring that 100% of the students develop these vital lifelong skills.
As a single section building, general education teachers at Manchester Elementary actively collaborate in the develop of instructional material in a unique way. First, our teachers actively plan alongside our principal, Mary Bailey, using her as a thought partner and instructional lead. In addition to the support from Mrs. Bailey, our team also plans alongside our special education teacher in order to develop the correct lesson adaptations needed to support the learning needs of all our students.
At Manchester Elementary School, general education classroom teachers actively engage in collaborative planning with special education and supportive service teachers to ensure inclusive support for students with unique learning needs, including within the context of STEM material and content. Through a coordinated approach, teachers draw on their collective expertise to develop tailored instructional strategies, accommodations, and modifications that promote meaningful participation and success in STEM learning for all students, fostering an environment of inclusion and empowerment.