Icahn Charter School 2

Programs: The icahn charter school provides a comprehensive k-8 public education based on the core knowledge sequence, a nationally recognized curriculum based on the concept that every child should be equipped with a core foundation of knowledge so that they are armed with the common knowledge base necessary to compete in any setting. The schools curriculum is comprised of the following: the english language arts program uses direct, explicit, systematic and sequential phonics instruction and decodable literature to promote early reading success. Students read award-winning fiction and non-fiction literature. The mathematics program provides a curriculum that covers units beyond the conventional curriculum and is an integral part of the instructional program. Math instruction is additionally supported by a subject specialist and/or math consultant. Demonstration lessons, peer coaching, and professional development ensure that teachers benefit from the latest research on the teaching of all subject matter. Students in ela & mathematics needing to strengthen their skills, as determined by baseline testing and teacher judgment are afforded small group instruction forty minutes each day, five days a week as well as additional instruction through after-school tutoring and saturday academy. The learning and integration of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics in our steam program is used as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking around content knowledge. The icahn steam program provides a strong foundation of integration at its core, which means that each of the aforementioned curricular areas is both taught in its' own right, as well as connected through common core standards and assessments. Science is an integral part of the implementation of e. D. Hirsh's core knowledge curriculum. The icahn students, through project-based learning and hands-on experiments, learn the importance of science in their daily lives and in their future. With one-on-one computing in place it can be said that technology, coding, and robotics are weaved through all aspects of the teaching/learning at icahn. In social studies classes, students learn about the continents, ancient greece and rome, exploration, colonialism, slavery, etc. , with an emphasis on multiculturalism through the curriculum. The subject matter is enhanced by the use of technology, guided virtual trips, project-based learning, debates, guest speakers, visiting authors, trips to museums and historical sites. Classical and contemporary art and music are studied and enhanced through the use of art & music consultants, attendance at live performances, displays of student visual artwork, ballroom dance performances, & student performances of shakespeare.