Carbon Valley Academy Curriculum
 CVA uses a Core Knowledge based curriculum that meets or exceeds Colorado’s Academic Content Standards. The curriculum is research based, time tested and content rich. It is based on the Core Knowledge sequence, a highly specific, rigorous study of knowledge and skills to guide schools in planning and development of a coherent curriculum (see the book series “What Every __ Grader Needs to Know” by E.D.Hirsch). Both qualitative and quantitative data indicate that schools using the Core Knowledge sequence demonstrate high levels of academic achievement. Visit the Core Knowledge website to learn more about its foundations.
In 2005, the Curriculum Committee was commissioned by CVA’s Board of Directors. This committee, made up of a group of community members with strong backgrounds in education, researched curriculum vendors and how they met the Core Knowledge sequence. The committee analyzed each curriculum’s proven effectiveness, rigor, cost and commitment to following Core Knowledge. Following their research, they made their recommendations to CVA’s Board of Directors. After reviewing their findings, the board voted to approve their top recommendations at the March 18, 2005 board meeting.
 All Levels of Math – Students are assessed in math before school starts to determine their best fit within the curriculum. CVA has chosen Sadlier-Oxford as its math provider. Its philosophy of mathematics includes strong number sense and critical thinking. Its relation to Colorado State standards and the curriculum’s rigor were factors in this choice. (A detailed description of each level is available during teacher assessment before school.)
All Levels of Language Arts – Students are assessed in language arts including areas like letter recognition, print awareness, phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, fluency, writing and vocabulary to determine the best placement in a dynamic curriculum by SRA, Open Court. Open Court is used in three of the top five scoring schools in language arts in Colorado. It is dynamic and rich in content. Stories and poetry include many of the classics. Also, many of the student anthologies directly relate to character values such as friendship, courage, and taking risks. Open Court works to encourage critical thinking skills, and has the ability to differentiate instruction to different learners.
History, science, art and music also follow the Core Knowledge sequence. Field trips may also be used to supplement the curriculum.
Academic Honors Program
In order to recognize student’s academic performance, CVA will establish an academic honors
program. Click here to view the criteria that will be the basis for honors status.
|
