Curriculum
Miriam uses a variety of methods and instructional tools to meet the individual learning styles of our students. Our lower and middle school use a multi-grade classroom model. This approach allows students to be grouped with children who are chronologically, academically and socially compatible, rather than using grade as the only criteria.
Learning groups are more focused with this approach, and social relationships are more easily facilitated. This also allows each child to be included within a group of students whose needs are compatible and complementary, thereby maximizing skill development and increasing self-confidence.
Based on the needs and ages of our students, a student’s curriculum might include instruction using one or more of the following programs:
The S.P.I.R.E. Reading Program integrates phonological awareness, phonics, handwriting, fluency, vocabulary, spelling and comprehension in an instructional design based on how struggling readers learn. Each S.P.I.R.E. lesson employs 10 steps that enhance student learning and memory by engaging multisensory pathways to the brain in rapid succession.
Step Up To Writing is an explicit, hands-on writing program that leads to increased writing proficiency across the curriculum. Students receive direct instruction and practice in the areas of idea development, organization, sentence fluency, word choice, voice, conventions and presentation.
Math-U-See is a comprehensive K–12 math curriculum. Each level concentrates on a specific set of skills, while continuously reviewing and integrating topics and concepts presented in previous levels. The curriculum uses tools such as videos, manipulatives and other resources and is designed to appeal to all types of learners in a variety of environments.
mySci is a signature program of the Institute for School Partnership at Washington University in St. Louis. mySci is dedicated to creating equity in science learning through hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum that nurtures critical thinking and creativity.
TCI - Differentiated Instruction is our social studies curriculum that provides various print and online support tools to meet the unique learning needs of our students. TCI’s social studies programs are designed with one primary goal: to help students master the essential skills and knowledge. Every unit includes primary sources and activities to make the lessons more inquiry-based and to help students develop critical-thinking skills.
Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life is our engaging and innovative middle school program that uses hands-on activities and scaffolded instruction, guiding students through concepts from surface-level to deep-level learning . With a strong emphasis on problem solving in the classroom, students can transfer their mathematical knowledge to new concepts and apply their understanding to real-life situations.
Social Thinking is for individuals with social learning differences and/or challenges. This work is also being adopted into mainstream classrooms and workplaces around the world to improve social, emotional, and academic learning for all.