THE SHEPARD SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENTS
The Shepard School places a profound emphasis on the education of our scholars. Our curriculum has been meticulously chosen to cater to the unique needs of students from kindergarten through 5th grade. Our overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive educational experience that centers on the holistic development of each child, valuing not only their academic growth but also their social and emotional well-being. We strive to create an environment where our scholars are not just academically challenged but are also encouraged to embrace positive challenges, fostering personal growth and a deeper passion for learning.
Renaissance Star Assessment:
In compliance with the guidelines set by the Ohio Department of Education, The Shepard School administers the Renaissance Star assessment. Star Assessments are concise tests designed to provide educators with personalized learning data for each student.
Star tests are computer-adaptive, which means they dynamically adjust in difficulty based on each student’s responses. This adaptive feature allows teachers to gather the most precise data to aid their students, all while minimizing the time needed for testing.
Students take a Star test in early literacy, mathematics, and reading. Educators use the data obtained from Star Assessments to assess students’ existing knowledge, identify their readiness to tackle new material, monitor their growth, and pinpoint any students who may require additional support.
It’s important to note that Star Assessments are not only grounded in research but also have a proven track record of effectiveness in helping teachers guide each student along their unique path to proficiency.
Curriculum:
The Shepard School Curriculum is thoughtfully structured, encompassing key subjects including ELA (English Language Arts), Math, SEL (Social and Emotional Learning), and Science. This comprehensive approach ensures that our scholars receive a well-rounded education that not only strengthens their academic skills but also nurtures their social and emotional development, providing a holistic foundation for lifelong success.
ELA-HMH Into Reading
HMH Into Reading provides valuable support for both staff and students. The program includes:
For Staff:
Powerful Teaching Tools: The program equips educators with powerful teaching tools that help transform content into personalized lessons. These tools are instrumental in driving student growth and enhancing the learning experience.
Parent-Teacher Conference Resources: HMH Into Reading streamlines student growth conversations by offering comprehensive resources for parent-teacher conferences. These resources facilitate effortless and productive discussions.
For Students:
Flexible Classwork: Students have the flexibility to access their classwork from anywhere, even without an internet connection. This feature ensures that learning can continue beyond the classroom, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Engaging Features: The program offers customizable avatars and classroom competitions, adding an element of fun and engagement to the learning process. This not only enhances motivation but also makes learning an enjoyable experience for students.
Math- Eureka Math
Eureka Math® is a comprehensive math program meticulously designed to promote equity in the mathematics classroom while nurturing students’ ability to construct enduring mathematical knowledge. What sets Eureka Math apart is its concentrated focus on fewer topics, aligned with the core objectives of each grade band. By emphasizing not only the “how” but also the “why” behind mathematical concepts, students cultivate a deep understanding of mathematical principles. Eureka Math consistently upholds the highest standards of rigor throughout all grade levels. This ensures that students not only grasp the theoretical foundations but also develop the essential procedural skills and fluency necessary for mathematical proficiency.
Science- PhD Science
PhD Science students embark on a journey of discovery where profound and enduring comprehension is cultivated through engaging hands-on activities and a foundation in evidence-based learning. In our program, students are not mere spectators but active participants in the process of scientific exploration. This approach prioritizes the development of lasting knowledge over rote memorization, ensuring that what is learned remains with them for the long term. One of the distinctive features of our curriculum is its interconnectedness. Each lesson is carefully constructed to build upon the lessons that came before it. As students progress through the program, they continually deepen their comprehension of scientific concepts, all within the context of the anchor phenomenon of each module.
SEL- Second Step
The Second Step® social-emotional learning (SEL) programs offer a robust platform for fostering the development of essential skills for success among individuals ranging from preschoolers to teenagers and all those in between. These programs are designed to be effective in both classroom and out-of-school time settings, providing a versatile approach to promoting social-emotional growth. The aim is to create an environment where students have the opportunity to thrive and develop the crucial social and emotional skills needed for a successful future.