Core Academic Programs

Benchmark Advance

This is a structured language arts program for Grades K through 6 that is standards aligned and reflects the latest research into the science of reading. The curriculum guides students and teachers in building knowledge across disciplines and nurturing literacy skills as students engage in the study of history, science, great works of literature and the arts.

In addition, all teachers will be continuing to:

• Teach the Thinking Maps to organize ideas and break down concepts

• Differentiate instruction using the Depth and Complexity Icons

DIBELS

Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) are a set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through grade three. They are designed to be short (one minute) measures used to regularly monitor the development of early literacy and early reading skills. These skills predict later reading success.

DIBELS are comprised of seven measures to function as indicators of phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, accuracy and fluency with connected text, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. DIBELS were designed for use in identifying children experiencing difficulty in acquisition of basic early literacy skills in order to provide support early and prevent the occurrence of later reading difficulties.

DIBELS has three benchmark assessments throughout the school year. The first benchmark is given in the beginning of the year (BOY). The second benchmark assessment is given in the middle of the ear (MOY) and the third benchmark assessment is given at the end of the year (EOY).

 

Write from the Beginning...and Beyond

Colfax has been using this writing curriculum since the 2016 - 2017 school year. It is a developmental writing program for Kindergarten through 5th Grade focused on those criteria necessary for successful writing achievement beyond the elementary years.

The program includes both narrative and expository writing, each utilizing the Thinking Maps. Teachers build upon and extend the instruction of previous grades by using Modeled Instruction, Improvement Rubrics, and Focused Mini-Lessons. The resultant effect is a common, targeted focus and school-wide accountability which creates an expectation of high student writing achievement on state and local writing tests.

Student Benefits:

• Students will become familiar with the terminology and concepts related to effective writing

• Students will be able to self-assess their writing performance and articulate a plan for improvement

• Students will use Thinking Maps cooperatively and independently to organize and plan for writing

Eureka Math - Great Mind

At Colfax Charter, our mathematics program seeks to immerse students in solid math principals based in real world situations. A variety of innovative programs make our math curriculum engaging for all students across the grade levels.

This program is a revolutionary math program designed to ensure that students move beyond rote memorization to build enduring math knowledge. Students gain a complete body of math knowledge, not just a discrete set of skills. They use the same models and problem-solving methods from grade to grade, so math concepts stay with them, year after year.

 

Amplify Science

Amplify Science is a K-8 science curriculum that blends hands-on-investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. Built for new science standards and three-dimensional learning, Amplify Science’s NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) curriculum meets higher expectations for science teaching and learning.

All Colfax students have the opportunity to utilize our engaging Science Lab. Classes go to the Science Lab with their teachers to conduct experiments, engage in the scientific method and are afforded the opportunity to explore the disciplinary core ideas (content) scientific and engineering practices, and cross-cutting concepts. We have a full time Science Lab Assistant, funded by PACE, who assists the teachers in lesson preparation and execution. Many fun critters like bearded dragons, iguanas, geckos, fish live in the Science Lab, making every visit a fun adventure!

Colfax is also lucky to have a full functioning farm and garden. These outdoor spaces allow for unique, hands-on learning experiences in science-related activities. PACE provides staff (a year-round Farm Aide and Garden Aide), supplies, and volunteers in the farm and garden so classes can visit on a regular schedule and engage in grade-level appropriate curriculum.