Focus
The special focus of ISANA Academies is Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies with an emphasis on integrating computer education. At least 80% proficiency must be earned in these content areas.
Curriculum
Our program offers a challenging, college preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on project-based learning. All students are also required to participate in ISANA’s Dance and Technology programs.
Project Based Learning
Our instructional program is built around researched practices that have been implemented successfully around the country. The articulated curriculum progressively deepens students’ understanding of core concepts while avoiding needless repetition. The small classes allow for discussion, small group work, peer and teacher conferences and interviews on a daily basis. ISANA teachers communicate clear expectations about what students learn, how they learn it, and what qualifies as good work. They do so by setting explicit content and performance standards that all students work to achieve, and by making those standards clear to students, teachers, principals, parents, and the community. Complex thinking and production are modeled and analyzed by actually working at a task or project. Students conduct sustained in-depth investigations of a topic that leads to authentic projects, fieldwork, and service. All curriculum designs are directly aligned to the Common Core State Standards. The standardized testing and benchmarking required by the Smarter Balanced exams are being used to measure student achievement.
Principles of Learning
We create instructional environments and practices that enable all students to achieve high academic standards through sustained and targeted effort.
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
Teachers, administrators, and support staff communicate high expectations and through their words and actions, respect for students’ culture, history, heritage and contextual cultural reality. The indicators for this model are found in the classroom and school environment, in lesson activities, and in student work.
Results
ISANA’s charter schools have exceeded expectations by outpacing neighboring similar schools. Each year, ISANA has made demonstrable gains in test scores. Coupled with continued academic improvement, ISANA offers innovative technology and a vigorous enrichment program to its students.[/eikra-vc-text-title]