The educational program at Vision Academy Charter Schools is grounded in the esteemed Core Knowledge Sequence. This sequence follows the widely accepted principle that learning capability is rooted in mastered content. It’s a meticulously structured progression aligned with state standards and approved content. This ensures that students of varying abilities receive the essential knowledge forming the basis for advanced learning. The Core Knowledge Sequence is a lucid framework enhancing knowledge, language, and skills. It builds upon previously acquired content, guaranteeing that each student develops the necessary subject-related skills and achieves the cultural literacy essential for comprehending content value (Hirsh, 1985).
While the Core Knowledge Sequence outlines the teaching content, the school employs resources from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Into Math, Singapore Math, CKLA, CKHG, and Amplify to furnish curriculum content in English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics, tailored to the school’s model. The Core Knowledge Foundation endorses these curriculum publishers due to their adherence to the Core Knowledge Sequence and their efficacy in delivering Direct Instruction. Teachers are authorized to incorporate supplementary materials independently.
Reading/Language Arts: K-5 Core Knowledge Language Arts
Core Knowledge Language Arts is a comprehensive language arts curriculum program for preschool through grade 6 students.
While teaching reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) also builds students’ knowledge and vocabulary in literature, history, geography, and science. The curriculum covers concepts specified in the Core Knowledge Sequence.
Reading/Language Arts: 6-8 Amplify ELA
Amplify ELA is a comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum designed to engage and empower students in their language and literacy journey. Rooted in research and innovative pedagogy, Amplify ELA provides a rich and diverse selection of literary and informational texts that foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a genuine love for reading. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to develop students’ communication abilities, enabling them to express themselves effectively in written and spoken forms. Through a blend of interactive digital experiences and collaborative activities, Amplify ELA creates a dynamic learning environment that cultivates literacy proficiency and a deep appreciation for the power of language to shape ideas and connect individuals.
Mathematics: K-8 (Singapore Math, Into Math, and Do Math)
Renowned for its effectiveness in supporting achievement across all students, as evidenced by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study results and American Institutes for Research studies, Singapore Math employs a precise format aligned with the Core Knowledge Sequence, fostering mastery of mathematical concepts. Utilizing the proven Singaporean approach to teaching and learning mathematics, Primary Digital is a web-based program that follows the Concrete to Pictorial to Abstract (CPA) method. Through strategies like number bonds and bar modeling, it cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Moreover, the Into Math and Do the Math programs by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt complement Singapore Math in standard classrooms and Special Education environments for K-5. These comprehensive programs offer dynamic mathematics education, engaging students through interactive experiences, real-world applications, and collaborative activities. IntoMath, developed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, nurtures deep concept comprehension and lifelong math appreciation. Simultaneously, the Do the Math programs provide focused interventions and personalized learning paths, aiding students who require extra support. With an emphasis on skill development and conceptual mastery, both programs empower students to construct a firm mathematical foundation, foster critical thinking skills, and conquer challenges throughout their academic journey.
Science: K-8 Amplify Science
K-8 Amplify Science is a comprehensive science curriculum that sparks curiosity and inquiry in students while providing them with a solid foundation in scientific concepts. Through a blend of hands-on investigations, interactive digital experiences, and engaging real-world scenarios, Amplify Science immerses students in the process of scientific exploration. Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the curriculum encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and communication as students tackle complex problems and develop a deep understanding of the natural world. With its student-centered approach and emphasis on evidence-based reasoning, K-8 Amplify Science equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become curious and informed young scientists.
Social Studies—K-8 Core Knowledge History and Geography
A comprehensive program in world and American history and geography, integrating topics in civics and the arts, Core Knowledge History and Geography™ (CKHG™) helps students build knowledge of the diverse civilizations, cultures, and concepts specified in the Core Knowledge Sequence. Core Knowledge History and Geography curriculum materials aim to prepare students to participate actively in a democratic society. For all CKHG American History titles, every Teacher Guide includes a feature called The Pathway to Citizenship.
Curricular Nights
Integral to implementing the Core Knowledge Sequence is the school’s regularly scheduled “Curriculum Night,” which allows students to synthesize content and showcase their projects to peers, families, and educators. This event could be dedicated to a single grade level, coordinated across grades focusing on related subjects or organized in grade clusters. The purpose of Curriculum Night is to foster community engagement, enabling the sharing of ongoing educational endeavors and encouraging individual students to independently explore ideas, devise solutions, and publicly present their work.
Curriculum Nights will be rooted in students’ experiences with Project-Based Learning (PBL). Adopting PBL as the framework for Curriculum Night is invaluable in nurturing individual talents and passions while showcasing a depth of knowledge beyond memorization. In the initial grades, teachers will assist students in presenting their projects. As students progress, they will assume greater responsibility, with teachers transitioning into facilitators rather than directors of projects. The profound content within the Core Knowledge Sequence offers a plethora of opportunities to craft projects and apply acquired knowledge from the past and present to address future challenges.
Flipped classroom at upper grades (6-8)
Vision Academy CS employs the flipped classroom in upper grades (6-8) and will gradually ease students into the effort, either with a single class or with portions of a course. A “Flipped Classroom” model that calls upon teachers to develop direct instruction lectures that will serve as homework for students, while classroom time will be devoted to what may have been traditionally homework (such as working on math problems independently) and active learning such as lab work, project work, or other active learning efforts. After watching the flipped presentation, students must use their critical thinking skills to develop questions and theories related to the content. The flipped classroom encourages students toward greater autonomy in learning and helps them develop the inquiry learning skills necessary for high school, college, and career success.
Curriculum Revision Cycles
Vision Academy CS uses a comprehensive improvement plan and revision cycle to keep our curriculum current. This cycle contains specific components that members of our academic teams work through each year. Its structure ensures that we intentionally focus on each step of the curriculum development process while remaining responsive to new initiatives and the frequent changes required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.