GWA CurriculumGeorge Washington Academy uses the research based, academically rigorous Core Knowledge Sequence (Core Knowledge.org) to ensure that students meet and exceed the Utah State Core Curriculum. Core Knowledge is a solid, sequential, and specific curriculum, based on the principles of establishing a national cultural literacy, or broad common knowledge base. Our certified teachers receive extensive training in implementing Core Knowledge. To support Core Knowledge, we also use other curriculums, including: Saxon Math (http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com), Spalding Language Arts (spalding.org), and Open Court reading materials (http://www.sraonline.com).Core Knowledge Sequence (Coreknowledge.org ): Core Knowledge will be used to teach reading, writing, grammar, math skills, as well as science, health, history, geography, music, and visual arts. Core Knowledge's best attributes can be summed up in the three S's: solid, sequential, and specific. Each academic year builds upon information attained during the previous years, avoiding heavy repetition and gaps. By clearly specifying important information in the core areas, teachers, parents, and students will have well defined academic goals for each grade level. Core Knowledge is research based and proven to be effective at meeting and exceeding Utah state standards. Allison Smith, of Timpanogos Academy, effectively outlined a point-by-point comparison between the Core Knowledge Sequence and the Utah Core Curriculum, that can be viewed by clicking on the following link: click here Interested parents are encouraged to read and own the following books on Curriculum and Core Knowledge: Cultural Literacy by E.D. Hirsch, Jr. Books to Build On: A Grade-by-Grade Resource Guide by John Holden, and E.D. Hirsch, Jr. What your Kindergartener Needs to Know by E.D. Hirsch, Jr. (available in K-8) The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, E.D. Hirsch, Jr. You may view and download the full Core Knowledge Sequence for grades K-8 at the bottom of this page. Saxon Math: http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com George Washington Academy uses Saxon math, an accelerated math program that relies heavily on incremental learning. Saxon students typically work one grade level ahead of traditional schools. Students systematically practice attained skills, through paper and pencil activities, as well as math games and the use of manipulatives. Daily practice continues until a skill is mastered and assessed, and then a greater incremental skill is introduced. On a typical day, students are instructed as a group, then guided through practice sessions, complete independent practice activities, and reinforce the lessons through appropriate homework, with assessment occurring formally and informally throughout the process. Because Saxon Math is an accelerated program, we encourage families to prepare well for the academic rigor. We suggest that families download Saxon placement tests from Saxon publishers (http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com), to determine the actual level of student performance. Students should be able to complete tests with 85% accuracy. We suggest reading or purchasing Saxon math materials for your child to prepare them for the accelerated math pace. Saxon materials can be purchased through Saxon publishers ( Saxon (http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com), or also through Teach-n-Kids, or Follett. Be aware that CURRENT kindergarteners use Saxon Math workbook 1, 1st graders use Saxon 2, 2 nd graders use Saxon 3, 3rd graders use Saxon 4, 4th graders use Saxon 65, and 5th graders use Saxon 76. Spalding Language Arts (spalding.org) George Washington Academy requires students to have specific instruction in reading, writing, spelling, and grammar to create a balanced and complete language arts approach. Spalding begins students with very specific and ordered phonemic instruction and progresses with high frequency words spelling and reading, English rules and concepts, composition writing, reasoning skills, and literary appreciation. Open Court Language Arts (sraonline.com) Primary readers and anthologies from Open Court are used to provide grade level appropriate texts for every student. Comprehension workbook materials, to prepare students not only to decode, but also to analyze and appreciate literature, accompany the texts. Reading Preparation: If parents wish to prepare their children for enrollment in George Washington Academy , we suggest selecting from the following booklist, according to the PREVIOUS grade level of the student. The booklist is not comprehensive, but is helpful to acquaint families with appropriate reading expectations. We strongly advise that parents read with their student daily, and encourage him/her also to read independently. Grade Level Reading List 1st Grade:
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