Curriculum

Applied learning is an educational approach that emphasizes hands-on, real-world experiences. Students actively engage with learning through problem-solving, collaborative projects, and exploration, making connections between what they study and how it applies in the world around them.

Five Core Features of Applied Learning

• Student work is centered on solving complex, real-world problems.
• The curriculum prioritizes developing deep content knowledge as well as students’ cognitive and non-cognitive competencies.
• Students achieve mastery through the use of intentional processes that require them to iterate, persist and learn from failed attempts.
• The learning experience incorporates an expectation that students collaborate or seek out additional information in order to define and solve the problem.
• In the upper grades, lessons frame problems from the perspectives of professionals in associated fields to help students see potential college and career connections.

Through applied learning, students build the confidence and competence to tackle complex issues, preparing them for success in the future.

The Portrait of a Graduate represents the qualities and skills we aspire for all of our students to develop. These competencies are integrated into all areas of learning, including applied learning experiences. Our Portrait of a Graduate includes:

1. Lifelong Learner: A lifelong learner is someone who has a passion for continual learning and development. We nurture this mindset by encouraging students to explore new topics, engage in self-directed learning, and always seek opportunities to grow. Applied learning experiences instill curiosity, as students are motivated to solve real-world problems and explore new ideas.
2. Prepared Individual: Students must be well-prepared for whatever comes next—whether higher education, a career, or another learning opportunity. Through applied learning, students gain practical skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and time management that will help them thrive beyond school. They leave our district not only with academic knowledge but also the personal skills to excel in life.
3. Global Citizen: A global citizen understands and appreciates cultural diversity and is aware of their responsibility to make a positive impact on the world. In our district, students engage in projects that emphasize social responsibility, global issues, and cultural awareness. Applied learning brings the world into the classroom, giving students the chance to collaborate with peers from different backgrounds and work on global challenges.
4. Responsible Person: Being responsible means taking ownership of one's actions and decisions, both in and out of school. Applied learning fosters this responsibility as students are accountable for their work, meeting deadlines, and contributing to group efforts. They learn the value of integrity, persistence, and accountability—qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.
5. Communicator: Effective communication is essential in every aspect of life. Our students develop the ability to express their ideas clearly, listen to others, and collaborate successfully. Through applied learning, students refine their communication skills by working together on projects, presenting their ideas, and sharing their findings with peers, teachers, and the community.
6. Critical Thinker: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make decisions based on thoughtful reflection. Applied learning challenges students to think critically about complex issues, evaluate different perspectives, and come up with innovative solutions. It encourages them to question assumptions, engage in problem-solving, and think deeply about the world around them.

Applied learning is more than just an approach to education—it’s a way to prepare students for the future. By combining academic rigor with real-world application, students not only gain knowledge but also develop the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world. The competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate guide our efforts to provide a well-rounded education that sets students up for lifelong success.

We are excited to partner with you in supporting your child’s growth and development. Together, we can ensure that our students are not only prepared for the future—they are ready to shape it.

The Heggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum provides a comprehensive approach to early literacy. It focuses on the foundational skills necessary for reading and writing, especially phonemic awareness. By engaging in daily exercises that teach students how to manipulate sounds in words, students develop the skills needed for decoding and encoding words fluently.

Applied Learning Focus

• Interactive Learning: Students actively engage with sound manipulation through oral activities, making real-world connections between spoken and written language.
• Hands-On Practice: Phonemic awareness activities are integrated with real-life reading tasks, helping students apply their learning to both fictional and informational texts.
• Collaboration: Students practice reading aloud and with peers, enhancing communication and language skills.

The Fundations curriculum is designed to provide explicit instruction in phonics, spelling, handwriting, and vocabulary development. It builds foundational literacy skills that help students become confident and competent readers and writers.

Applied Learning Focus

• Real-World Literacy Applications: Through word-building and spelling exercises, students develop practical skills they will use to decode words in real-world contexts, such as reading street signs, instructions, or recipes.
• Hands-On Learning: Students apply phonetic rules to decode and write words during daily lessons, reinforcing the connection between classroom learning and everyday reading and writing tasks.
• Collaboration: Cooperative learning activities, such as word sorting and partner reading, allow students to practice literacy skills with peers.

The Wit & Wisdom curriculum focuses on high-quality, challenging texts, fostering deep analysis and meaningful discussions. It encourages students to build critical thinking skills while exploring literature and informational texts. By integrating reading, writing, and speaking, it offers a balanced literacy approach.

Applied Learning Focus

• Project-Based Learning: Students create presentations, research projects, and written works based on the texts they read, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Real-World Connections: The program focuses on relevant themes like social justice, historical events, and human experiences, encouraging students to explore how literature and history shape our world.
• Collaboration: Students engage in group discussions, debates, and collaborative writing tasks to develop communication and teamwork skills.

IntoLiterature is a reading program that exposes students to a wide range of texts, including novels, short stories, poetry, and informational materials. This curriculum encourages active reading, critical analysis, and reflective thinking.

Applied Learning Focus

• Real-World Connections: Students explore literature related to current social issues, history, and human experiences, allowing them to draw connections between the content and their own lives.
• Creative Application: Through creative assignments such as skits, literary journals, and presentations, students apply their understanding of the texts to real-world situations.
• Collaboration: Group reading activities, discussions, and literary projects foster teamwork, allowing students to communicate and reflect on their ideas with peers.

Eureka Math is a rigorous math curriculum that promotes deep understanding of mathematical concepts through a focus on problem-solving and critical thinking. It emphasizes the application of mathematical principles to real-life situations and challenges.

Applied Learning Focus

• Real-World Problem Solving: Through word problems and practical math applications, students learn how mathematical concepts can solve everyday problems, such as budgeting, measurements, and planning.
• Hands-On Learning: Activities like building models, solving puzzles, and exploring mathematical patterns allow students to apply math concepts tangibly.
• Collaboration: Group work and peer discussions allow students to solve problems collaboratively, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.

The Investigating History curriculum encourages students to engage in historical inquiry and critical thinking. By analyzing primary and secondary sources, students learn to interpret and understand historical events in context, fostering a deep appreciation for the past.

Applied Learning Focus

• Project-Based Learning: Students engage in history projects that require them to research, analyze, and present their findings in real-world formats, such as historical documentaries, research papers, and presentations.
• Real-World Relevance: Students connect historical events with contemporary issues, exploring how the past influences today’s society and how lessons from history can inform future decisions.
• Collaboration: History simulations, group research projects, and discussions encourage students to work together and share perspectives on historical events.

OpenSciEd is a science curriculum that promotes inquiry-based learning. Students explore scientific concepts through investigations and hands-on experiments, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Applied Learning Focus

• Hands-On Exploration: Students actively participate in experiments that mirror real-world scientific practices, developing problem-solving skills and applying scientific principles.
• Real-World Connections: Topics such as climate change, ecosystems, and health science connect classroom learning to global issues, helping students understand the relevance of science in their everyday lives.
• Collaboration: Group experiments and projects encourage teamwork, communication, and critical thinking as students work together to investigate scientific phenomena.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a STEM curriculum that emphasizes design, innovation, and problem-solving through engineering principles. Students engage in hands-on projects that allow them to design solutions for real-world challenges.

Applied Learning Focus

• Project-Based Learning: Students engage in engineering projects, such as designing prototypes, solving technical problems, and creating models, using the principles of engineering and technology.
• Real-World Problem Solving: Students work on challenges that require them to design, test, and refine solutions, such as building bridges, creating circuits, and developing sustainable systems.
• Collaboration: Collaborative teamwork is a core element of PLTW, as students work in teams to brainstorm ideas, test prototypes, and present their solutions.

Kindergarten Parent Guide (PDF)

Grade 2 Parent Guide (PDF)

Grade 3 Parent Guide (PDF)

Grade 4 Parent Guide (PDF)

Grade 5 Parent Guide (PDF)

Grade 6 Parent Guide (PDF)

Grade 7 Parent Guide (PDF)

Grade 8 Parent Guide (PDF)

• PreK Parent Guide (PDF)
• Module 1 – PreK
• Module 2 – PreK
• Module 3 – PreK
• Module 4 – PreK
• Module 5 – PreK

• Kindergarten Parent Guide (PDF)
• Module 1 – Kindergarten
• Module 2 – Kindergarten
• Module 3 – Kindergarten
• Module 4 – Kindergarten
• Module 5 – Kindergarten
• Module 6 – Kindergarten

• Grade 1 Parent Guide (PDF)
• Grade 1 Eureka Math Parent Roadmap (PDF)

• Grade 2 Parent Guide (PDF)
• Grade 2 Eureka Math Parent Roadmap (PDF)

• Grade 3 Parent Guide (PDF)
• Grade 3 Eureka Math Parent Roadmap (PDF)

• Grade 4 Parent Guide (PDF)
• Grade 4 Eureka Math Parent Roadmap (PDF)

• Grade 5 Parent Guide (PDF)
• Grade 5 Eureka Math Parent Roadmap (PDF)

• Grade 6 Parent Guide (PDF)
• Grade 6 Eureka Math Parent Roadmap (PDF)

• Grade 7 Parent Guide (PDF)
• Grade 7 Eureka Math Parent Roadmap (PDF)

• Grade 8 Parent Guide (PDF)
• Grade 8 Eureka Math Parent Roadmap (PDF)