• Curriculum Guidelines
     
    READING/ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS
    The need for effective communication is more important than ever before. Council Rock School District’s Reading/English/Language Arts program provides a balanced literacy approach to developing the skills of reading, composing, listening, speaking, viewing, and researching. The learning experiences below support at developmentally appropriate levels the achievement of the R/E/LA Standards (Reading, Composing, Listening, Speaking, Viewing, and Researching).

    INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

    *Refine and diversify familiar skills and strategies
    *Continue the exposure to a balanced literacy approach
    *Read from a variety of literature for multiple purposes
    *Write daily in a variety of forms
    *Participate in discussions and decision-making processes
    *React and respond to literature
    *Ask and answer meaningful questions
    *Use computers and emerging technologies in an effective manner
    *Deliver oral presentations
    *Participate in developmentally appropriate research projects/activities

    MATHEMATICS

    Today mathematics is a part of many fields of endeavor, and has become more essential in everyday life. The Council Rock mathematics curriculum offers every student the opportunity to realize his or her maximum potential, and acquire the knowledge and skills to become a mathematically literate citizen.
    Intermediate Level
    The students will master three central mathematical themes: multiplicative reasoning, equivalence, and computation fluency. They will think through and explain solutions rather than seeking or recollecting "the" right answer. Topics will include:
    ∗ Building upon foundation of algebraic concepts
    ∗ Geometry
    ∗ Measurement of distance, area, and shapes
    ∗ Ratio, percent, probability, and proportion
    ∗ Number relationships

    SCIENCE

    Elementary Curriculum

    The district has phased in an Inquiry-Based science curricula which follow Best Practice in the teaching of science as recommended by the National Science Foundation and Science for All Americans. Inquiry refers to the activities of students in which they develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world. Concepts learned through inquiry replace teaching science facts. Therefore a traditional textbook is not used, but rather supplementary materials are supplied in the science kits as well as other outside sources such as the Internet and trade books which are housed in the school's library. The science kits used are STC (Science & Technology for Children) and FOSS (Full Option Science System). These kits meet the National Science Education Standards as well as the Council Rock Science Standards. Both programs provide a dynamic learning environment. They will contribute to the student's conceptual understanding of science at a level that is appropriate to their stage of development. They will also help the student to develop scientific attitudes and habits of mind, such as curiosity, respect for evidence, and the capacity for critical reflection, flexibility, and sensitivity to living things. And finally they will develop scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills.
     
    SOCIAL STUDIES
    The essential questions guide the study of social studies through the content and skilldevelopment in the investigative, integrated study of geography, economics, government and history.
    Fourth Grade
    How do physical features and geographic locations impact where and how people live?
    How do diverse resources, economic and industries affect the progress and growth of a region?
    How, when and why do people move?
    How do natural resources determine the development of industries in a region?
    What are the lessons that can be learned from current events?
     
    This information was taken from the curriculum website at www.crsd.org.
    For more information, please visit the Council Rock Website at www.crsd.org