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Armstrong School

 

 

 

How We Teach

Multisensory Methodology
  • All teaching incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements
  • Movement incorporated into teaching in all content areas 
  • Flexible seating options such as stools, wiggle cushions, standing desks, Thera-bands
Small Group Instruction
  • Literacy programs – students placed into Wilson, Just Words, Fundations, READ180 or Tier 1 reading groups
  • Math program – incorporates elements of Swun Math, Making Math Real, Mathematical Mindsets
Technology Integration
  • 1:1 iPads for all students
  • Full-time technology integration specialist provides instructional support
  • Digital Citizenship curriculum from Common Sense Media
  • Makerspace
  • Students trained to use assistive technology, e.g. voice-to-text, organizational strategies
Teaming & Collaboration
  • Two dedicated teachers per homeroom
  • Cross-curricular collaboration 
  • Training & professional development to support teaming
Training & Instructional Support 
  • Instructional coaching team to support:
    • Best practices in the classroom
    • Differentiation
    • Curriculum planning & integration 
    • Training and support for literacy programs
    • Professional development:
      • Embedded weekly training & instructional support
      • Financial & logistical support for outside conferences and training
Informed by Research & Data
  • Ongoing collaborative conversations about student progress
  • Research partnership with UCSF Dyslexia Center
  • Student assessments:
    • Track My Progress – reading & math (4 times/year)
    • Oral Reading Fluency (3 times/year)
    • Wilson-based reading assessments (2 times/year)
    • Curriculum-based assessments & progress monitoring (ongoing)
Embedded Social-Emotional Learning
  • Staff forms close individual relationships with students 
  • Responsive Classroom approach cultivates belonging, significance, engagement, and fun
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Lower and middle school counselors on site

It might not work out a bunch of times, but I know it eventually will.

“ I’m a little worried about the workload in Highschool, but with the skills I have learned at Charles Armstrong with confidence, self-advocacy and a good work ethic, I can be successful in high school and beyond.”

Evan Bottarini
Excerpt from her 8th grade graduation from Charles Armstong School, 2015