Eastwood Elementary Instructional Programs
by Jill Miller
January 21, 2007
Eastwood Elementary
Instructional Programs
All East Alton District # 13 curriculum is aligned to the Illinois State Learning Standards and the curriculum contains:
(a) Language Arts (b) Reading (c) Other Communication Skills (d) Science, (e) Mathematics (f) Social Studies (g) Art (h) Music (i) Character Values (j) Citizenship values (k) Physical Education (l) Health Education (m) Harmful Side Effects of Steroid Use (n) Career/Vocational Education (o) Consumer Education (p) Conservation of Natural Resources (q) U.S. History (r) History Struggles and Contributions of Women and African Americans (s) Violence Prevention and Conflict Resolution for Grades 4-8 (t) Comprehensive Health Education
EASTWOOD BALANCED LITERACY PROGRAM
Balanced Literacy is a framework designed to help all students learn to read effectively by implementing the five components of an effective reading program.
Eastwood students in grades K-3 receive a ninety-minute uninterrupted block of reading time that provides instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency. Individualized and small group interventions are also available for those students in need.
Students in grades 4-5 receive at least 60 minutes reading instruction in vocabulary, comprehension and fluency.
Building on a solid foundation of research, our Balanced Literacy program is designed to also select, implement, and provide professional development for teachers using scientifically based reading programs, and to ensure accountability through ongoing, valid and reliable screening, diagnostic, and classroom-based assessment.
EASTWOOD BOOK BEE
An annual Book Bee will be held in order to promote reading and parental involvement at Eastwood School. Some student incentive books and prizes will be purchased through the federally funded Title I program.
CAREER EDUCATION GRANT
A federally funded Career Education Grant supports the implementation of Career Awareness into Eastwood curriculum.
DATA DRIVEN INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENTS
Assessments have been developed that will help us better determine if our students are able to master Learning Standards matched to Illinois State Goals in Mathematics and Language Arts. Standards for students and expectations of students will be reviewed annually.
Both formative and summative assessments will be administered to all Eastwood students throughout the school year to monitor student academic growth and drive instructional and curriculum decision-making. Examples include but are not limited to the:
a. Illinois Snapshot of Early Literacy (ISEL)
b. Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
c. Development Reading Assessment (DRA)
d. Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI)
e. Stanford
f.. Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT)
Results from these assessments will be sent home with students and /or shared with parent/guardian during parent teacher conferences.
EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS
Educational and celebratory field trips support the curriculum and are provided by the district for all Eastwood students.
EXTENDED SCHOOL PROGRAM (ESP)
Eastwood Elementary students are provided with the opportunity to attend our Extended School Program which provides before and after school child care. Please contact Eastwood Elementary office for more information.
GRADE REPORTING AND GRADES
Report cards are issued every nine weeks. A student should constantly be aware of how he/she is doing, so that no report card grade should come as a surprise. Mid-term reports will be sent out to inform parents of satisfactory and unsatisfactory work.
Note: Kindergartners receive Performance Reports at the end of the 1st and 4th quarters. 1st-3rd Grade receive Performance Reports Cards every nine weeks.
Helpful Hints for Better Grades
1. Listen to your teacher's instructions and explanations.
2. Take part in class discussions.
3. Take notes to help you remember.
4. Write all assignments in a notebook for that purpose only.
5. Set aside a time each evening to study.
6. Complete assigned work on time.
7. Plan! Use your time wisely in completing an assignment.
8. Have a classmate get your assignments when you are absent. Give them a call in the
evening if parents do not object.
9. Always try to do your very best in everything you do!
PARENT ADVISORY BOARD
The Parent Advisory Board is an active organization and benefits our school greatly. Parents are urged to participate in their child's projects and activities. Notices on dates and times are published in the monthly newsletter, web site and school marquee.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Annual fall and spring Parent -Teacher Conferences promote the home school connection. Please feel free to consult regularly with your child's teacher regarding his/her academic progress.
SAFE/DRUG FREE/VIOLENCE FREE
PREVENTION PROGRAMS
East Alton District # 13 community supports a safe, drug and violence free environment through the following supplemental programs:
Eastwood Fight Free Program, Eastwood Civic Beliefs, D.A.R.E Program, Madison County Health Department Intervention programs such as Learning to Care, Probation Department, Community Against Substance Abuse (CASA) Parent Advisory Committee, Alton Memorial Hospital etc.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER/FAMILY RESOURCE OFFICER
A district Social Worker and Family Resource Officer assists students and parents with any environmental concerns or issues at school or in the home.
SCHOOL WIDE TITLE I
Eastwood School is designated as a School-wide Title I School. Title I is a federally funded program designed to help students increase their level of success in reading. Under the School-wide Program, all students at Eastwood Elementary School can be assisted in any areas of need. Title I teachers and Kindergarten Title I teacher's assistants will be working with the regular education classroom teachers to aid students in increasing their reading level of achievement. School wide Title I funds provide push-in remedial services in reading. Screening, progress monitoring and outcome measure assessments will be utilized to provide flexible groups for instruction.
As we strive to give students the best possible education possible, we feel that this can be best accomplished when parents and schools work together. Even though many of you are already involved in activities to help your children be successful students the following suggestions are offered:
1. Show interest in your child's homework.
2. Express approval for efforts and accomplishments.
3. Visit the school often and get acquainted with his/her teachers.
4. Learn the expectations for your child's grade level.
5. Study and discuss the attached compact with your child.
6. Provide your student with a quiet place to study.
7. Encourage reading of quality literature at home. READ WITH YOUR CHILD DAILY!
