Curriculum
MATH
In providing our students with instruction that enables them to master the foundations of mathematics, the Ferndale Area Elementary has adopted Eureka Math. This model is aligned to the PA Core Standards and what is to be achieved per grade level, creating the method of assessment to determine mastery, then developing the curriculum around the end goal in order to be successful. In doing so, our core instruction is aligned to these standards to provide a rigorous and high quality of education. Teachers receive ongoing training and mentoring to provide the best for your children. As a parent, it is vital that you support your child’s education in the home. Helping with homework, asking about their day, or discussing a certain topic are easy ways for you to help educate your child. Only with cooperation between school and home can we meet the educational needs of your child.
English Language Arts
The Ferndale Area Elementary School adopted a new reading series for the 2020-2021 school year; the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Wonders reading program. Literature-based instruction and Guided Reading are also a part of our everyday curriculum. Haggerty phonics and 95% Group are part of the K4-2 literacy initiative. Many of our intermediate teachers have also been trained in reading skills and strategies through the University of Pennsylvania's Penn Literacy Network program. Finally, we are proud that we have a two-tiered system of intervention that allows more focused instruction for students who are in need and to differentiate for those students who excel in the area of ELA. As a parent, it is vital that you support your child’s education in the home. Helping with homework, asking about their day, or discussing a certain topic are easy ways for you to help educate your child. Only with cooperation between school and home can we meet the educational needs of your child.
Science
The Ferndale Area Elementary School has implemented science instruction building-wide. Hands-on, engaging inquiry is the focus of our curriculum and instruction. The branches of life, earth and physical science are introduced and explored. Mystery Science and FOSS kits are programs used to bring science to life.
Social Studies
The Ferndale Area Elementary School provides grade-level instruction to students in the area of social studies. Social Studies encompasses community, government, history, culture and society, economics, and geography. Integration of social studies is done through various resources and across several subject areas. Intermediate grades have the study of Social Studies incorporated into their daily schedule.
DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)
The Developmental Reading Assessment is used in grades K-6 at Ferndale Area Elementary School. The assessment measures accuracy, comprehension and fluency in the area of reading. With DRA results, educators identify reading achievement for individual students, analyze data and communicate information with administrators and the reading specialist, parents and students. It also allows teachers to drive instruction and provide intervention necessary for the success of all students.
Acadience
Ferndale Area Elementary School has adopted the use of the Acadience Program as a diagnostic tool in the subjects of reading. A screening is completed at the beginning and end of the year. The results allow our intervention team to determine the needs of our students that fall below the national percentile of being successful. It also allows for determination of those students that are well above the national percentile of the "average" student. Tier II and Tier III intervention students are determined by this tool to provide necessary small group and individualized support. Progress monitoring is done regularly to follow a student's progress. Acadience diagnostics are administered in grades K-6.
CDT (Classroom Diagnostic Tools)
The CDT is a set of online assessments administered in the areas of Literacy, Mathematics, and Science. It is designed to provide diagnostic information and is an aide to help guide instruction and support interventions and enrichment. CDTs are aligned to the PA standards. It provides a snapshot of how students are doing in the above subjects. CDTs are administered three times per year in grades 3-6.
Spring Math
Spring Math is a diagnostic tool administered in the area of mathematics. The results allow our intervention team to determine the needs of our students that fall below the national percentile of being successful. It also allows for determination of those students that are well above the national percentile of the "average" student. Tier II and Tier III intervention students are determined by this tool to provide necessary small group and individualized support. Progress monitoring is done regularly to follow a student's progress. Spring Math diagnostics are administered in grades K-6.
Career and College Readiness
As the foundation of all learning, the elementary school provides exploration of careers and future ventures. In compliance to Chapter 339, Chapter 12 and Chapter 4, students are engaged in exploration through lessons in the classroom, lessons with Mrs. Bremer, the School Counselor, and a program during Computer class called Virtual Job Shadowing Jr.
Revised 2021