Elementary Curriculum Information
ELA- Amplify CKLA
ELA-Amplify CKLA
Amplify CKLA is a unique core curriculum for grades PreK–5 ELA that’s grounded in the Science of Reading and combines rich, diverse content knowledge in history, science, literature, and the arts with systematic research-based foundational skills instruction.
Using a fundamentally different approach to language arts, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts® (CKLA) is built on decades of early literacy research that demonstrates the importance of wide-ranging background knowledge and explicit and systematic instruction in foundational skills. Multisensory phonics and foundational skills resources help students practice key skills using fun, varied approaches that build independence. At the same time, an intentional approach to background knowledge invites students to dig deeper and make connections across content areas through reading and writing. Amplify CKLA enables students to build a robust knowledge base for accessing and unpacking complex texts so real comprehension can happen.
Teacher-administered assessment is a hallmark of the CKLA curriculum. Ample formative assessment opportunities, through engaging activities, are a part of daily instruction. Unit assessments, heavily grounded in listening comprehension in grades K-2, monitor students’ progress in building vocabulary, listening and reading comprehension, grammar, mechanics, and more.
In addition, IRSD elementary settings use mCLASS to provide benchmark literacy assessments and ongoing progress monitoring to comprehensively support each student’s literacy development in the following areas:
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Foundational skills
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Comprehension
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Dyslexia screening
mCLASS’ ecosystem of elementary reading resources works to target skill gaps and provide the right instruction at the right time. mCLASS is powered by DIBELS 8th Edition and provides instant targeted instructional recommendations. DIBELS 8th Edition measures:
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Phonemic awareness
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Phonics
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Fluency
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Vocabulary
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Comprehension
Parent or Guardian ELA Amplify CKLA Resources:
Math- Bridges and Dreambox
IRSD Elementary Math- Bridges in Mathematics
Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive PK–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully address state standards in a rigorous, engaging, and accessible manner.
IRSD and Bridges in Mathematics is Building Mathematical Thinkers:
Our student-centered approach emphasizes classroom discourse, visual models, and conceptual understanding. Students build problem-solving skills, develop fluency, and make sense of mathematics through rich tasks with multiple entry points. Open-ended questions and student choice offer all learners the opportunity to develop a positive math identity.
IRSD students learn to:
- Think conceptually
- Work together
- Gather evidence and explain their answers
- Have different opinions and treat each other respectfully
- Use multiple strategies to solve a problem
IRSD and Bridges in Mathematics
We believe…
- Learning is a collaborative and social endeavor.
- Learning is a process of constructing meaning to make sense of concepts.
- Learning requires perseverance and willingness to experience disequilibrium.
IRSD K-5 Bridges teachers:
- Encourage students to be responsible for their own learning.
- Use good questioning strategies and draw out student thinking.
- Promote discourse while creating a safe learning environment.
IRSD Bridges students:
- Solve problems using visual models and manipulatives.
- Make and test conjectures while recording their thinking.
- Talk and move around the classroom as they actively engage in learning.
Math at Home
This collection of activities, organized by mathematical content, uses familiar routines that can be used by students, families, and teachers in a variety of settings.
Dreambox Learning
DreamBox is our adaptive computer program that teaches math conceptually, allowing students to visualize math. DreamBox adapts to meet the student's needs, whether it is filling in unfinished learning from previous grade levels or extending learning to new concepts that students are ready for. DreamBox has proven growth when students complete 5 or more lessons a week independently. This program automatically adapts to meet your student's needs based on the lessons they do. DreamBox encourages independence and productive struggle, allowing students to construct their own understanding of the math topics.
How to access Dreambox: Students can log into their IRSD issued Chromebooks and access Dreambox in the Classlink or clever portal.
Science- Amplify
Science- Amplify
Amplify Science was developed by the science education experts at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science and the digital learning team at Amplify.
Rooted in the Lawrence Hall of Science’s Do, Talk, Read, Write, Visualize model of learning, this research-based approach presents students with multiple modalities through which to explore the Next Generation Science Standards curriculum. Amplify Science includes hands-on activities, print materials, and powerful digital tools.
Each unit of Amplify Science engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they take on the role of a scientist or engineer to investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations in order to arrive at solutions.
Grade-level Units of study:
Kindergarten:
- Unit 1-Needs of Plants
- Unit 2-Pushes and Pulls
- Unit 3-Sunlight and Weather
First Grade:
- Unit 1-Animal and Plant Defenses
- Unit 2-Light and Sound
- Unit 3-Spinning Earth
Second Grade:
- Unit 1-Plant and ANimal Relationships
- Unit 2-Properties of Materials
- Unit 3-Changing Landforms
Third Grade:
- Unit 1-Balancing Forces
- Unit 2-Inheritance and Traits
- Unit 3-Environments and Survival
- Unit 4-Weather and Climate
Fourth Grade:
- Unit 1-Energy Conversions
- Unit 2-Vision and Light
- Unit 3-Earth’s Features
- Unit 4-Waves, Energy, and Information
Fifth Grade:
- Unit 1-Patterns of Earth and Sky
- Unit 2-Modeling Matter
- Unit 3-The Earth System
- Unit 4-Ecosystem Restoration
Parent or Guardian Science Amplify Resources
Amplify Science Family Introduction Video and Family Resources
Social Studies
Social Studies
IRSD Social Studies -Grade K-5 Curriculum
Elementary Social Studies is focused on 4 strands: Civics, Economics, History, and Geography. Students in grades K-3 learn about these concepts through standards-based lessons that incorporate the resource Studies Weekly. Fourth grade students develop a deeper understanding of History and Civics, while fifth grade units of study are Geography (U.S.) and Economics.
Grade Level Units of Study:
Kindergarten:
- 1st Q: Civics
- 2nd Q: Economics
- 3rd Q: Geography
- 4th Q: History
First Grade:
- 1st Q: Civics
- 2nd Q: Geography
- 3rd Q: History
- 4th Q: Economics
Second Grade:
- 1st Q: Civics
- 2nd Q: History
- 3rd Q: Geography
- 4th Q: Economics
Third Grade:
- 1st Q: Civics
- 2nd Q: History
- 3rd Q: Geography
- 4th Q: Economics
Fourth Grade:
- Sept-Nov: Early Colonization of America (All 4th-5th History standards; State Assessment)
- Dec-Feb: English America and the Revolution (All 4th-5th History standards; State Assessment)
- Mar-May: Civics and the Early America (All 4th-5th Civics standards; State Assessment)
Fifth Grade:
- 1st & 2nd Qs: All 4th-5th Economics standards (State Assessment)
- 3rd & 4th Qs: All 4th-5th Geography standards (State Assessment)