The DCPS curriculum is based on rigorous learning standards that set high expectations for all students. These standards define important developmental skills for children, and are taught system-wide. They can be found on the DCPS website www.dcps.dc.gov. Teachers are expected to use standards-based curriculum documents to guide instruction in their classrooms.
Reading: Reading instruction emphasizes the teaching of reading as a thinking process. Therefore, every effort is made to ensure that reading is interwoven into the flow of events throughout the day, in addition to time provided daily for formal reading instruction. At Maury, the Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop model is integrated throughout the curriculum in grades Kindergarten to 5, and Voices Reading, a character-building reading series is incorporated as well. In the Preschool and Pre-K classes, Creative Curriculum is utilized across the content areas.
Writing: In 2006, our school was selected by DCPS to implement the Writers’ Workshop model (Teachers College, Columbia University). Our teachers devote a minimum of 30-45 minutes, 4-5 times a week (depending on grade levels) to provide instruction in writing. The units of study include the writing of personal narratives, essays, character studies, poetry and memoirs. The writing block begins with a mini-lesson in which teachers offer ten minutes of direct and explicit instruction. After this, students work in highly structured yet responsive environments to draft and revise their writing in ways that incorporate the instruction they received. Teachers, meanwhile, confer with their students individually and in small groups.
Mathematics: The elementary level mathematics program involves understanding mathematical concepts and structures, learning computation skills, and applying mathematics in real world situations. “Everyday Mathematics,” the University of Chicago Mathematics Project’s curriculum, now published by McGraw Hill, is being used school-wide. We are also piloting the “Singapore Math” curriculum into our mathematics instruction in grades K and 1.
Science: A goal of science education is to teach students the fundamental concepts of the earth, space, life, and physical sciences and the connections across these domains. We encourage an understanding that much of the scientific work done in the world draws on multiple disciplines. Another goal is to teach students about the active process of investigation and the critical review of evidence. Gathering and evaluating information, perceiving patterns, and then devising and testing possible explanations about the scientific content they are learning, prompts students to become independent and critical thinkers. Our newest addition, the Inquiry Learning Lab (Think Tank), will further propel our students’ depth in understanding through the execution and completion of problem-based projects.
Social Studies: Adapted from the California and Massachusetts curriculum frameworks, the DCPS standards strike a balance between United States (US) and world history, and incorporates the many disciplines of the social sciences. These standards integrate the four major disciplines of history, geography, economics, and politics and government.
