There is no real mystery to how schools teach children. Methods may differ from school to school, but three basic elements are always present. They are the curriculum, which is what students learn; the instruction, which involves how students are taught; and the assessment, which measures how well students have learned.
 While we often assume that teaching begins with designing a curriculum or course of study, it actually begins with the initiation of a continuum. The process starts by setting a learning goal and then deciding how that goal can be met. Once we have established what it is that we want the student to learn, the curriculum is designed, a method of instruction is selected, and a means of assessment is chosen. The State of Wisconsin controls this with their challenging academic standards for all curriculum areas. Wisconsin’s model academic standards help guide what the students are to learn. Presently we have mandated Wisconsin Knowledge and Comprehension Exams in grades 3 through 8 which provide excellent assessment through the years.
In a way, this process can be compared to designing your dream home. You know how you want the house to look. You communicate that concept to an architect who drafts plans and outlines goals which are used by the builder to construct the home. As you watch your home being built, you assess the quality with each step. Success is measured by how well the completed home meets your specifications and expectations.
This process is, by its basic nature, spherical in design. Each time it is completed, the cycle begins with a new goal; thus the process may be thought of as an upward spiral that continues throughout a student’s entire schooling. For example, a learning circle may be in place to help a child study fractions at the same time a learning cycle is in place to help the child maintain a positive attitude.
It is important to understand that setting the goal and determining the assessment are part of the same step in the process. Often we begin with a pre-test to assess how much a child knows about a subject before embarking on a course of study. This allows the curriculum to be targeted to the student’s individual needs. Then, once instruction has been completed, a post-test is given to determine how much of the material has been assimilated and at what level. From these results, new goals can be established and a new curriculum implemented with instruction to complete the circle of learning.
The process is a little like a wheel. Once the forward motion begins, educators are focused on maintaining the momentum through positive achievement. To keep this entire process moving smoothly, educators need the help of parents and community members.
Since Woods School is a “feeder” school into Badger High school, all of our curriculum guides are a joint effort with Lake Geneva, Brookwood and Traver. This guarantees that our students from Woods School have been taught the material needed to be successful at Badger High School. |
Woods School, together with our families and community, is committed to providing every child an outstanding education by blending time-proven and innovative teaching practices in a safe and caring environment.
This mission will guide our children to individual success and lifelong learning, while honoring our unique school traditions.
|
