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Information
Imagine...Innovate...Interact!
The Sioux Falls School District recognizes the need and benefits of
implementing alternative educational models to increase academic
achievement. Specialized schools will be used to support family
choice; provide unique learning experiences tied to a specialized
curriculum; and to incorporate innovative educational methods and
practices.
The
Sioux Falls School District's mission is to educate and prepare each
student to succeed in a changing world. Specialized schools offer
students opportunities to discover talents and explore their interests
while still focusing on a strong core instructional curriculum. In
this setting, unique instructional strategies and hands-on experiences
will heighten student interest and maximize learning outcomes.
Families can be assured that the Math, Science & Technology
specialized school is research-based and will align to the South
Dakota standards and Sioux Falls School District curriculum. The
curriculum will be formed around inquiry-based themes and provide many
hands-on learning experiences for students. The
Math, Science & Technology School will prepare students to succeed
in a world that is increasingly reliant on these content areas.
Higher-level thinking/reasoning skills will be the focus of science and
math instruction. Students will be involved in solving real-world
problems through hands-on experiences and by utilizing technology for
communication, research and production of findings. Students will
learn the core skills and concepts required for their particular grade
level in conjunction with integrated math and science instruction.
All programs including special education, Reading Recovery, gifted
education, band, orchestra, and chorus will be available to students
attending the specialized school. Curriculum
Staff members of the Math, Science
& Technology specialized school will continue to teach the basic
skills and concepts from all core content areas. Students will be
involved in reading a wide variety of materials, including nonfiction to
support science and math themes being explored throughout the day. A
hands-on, inquiry-based mathematics program will provide students
with a strong concept base and include active student learning.
Students will be engaged in problem solving, analytical thinking and
applied mathematics. An
inquiry-based science program will be used to support hands-on learning
in science and integration with mathematics. This hands-on method
of instruction supports all learning styles. Students will
complete research projects and science experiments that draw upon
students' natural curiosity of the world around them. Business
and Community Connections
The Sioux Falls
environment—the parks, the river, businesses,
organizations and other resources will be extensions to the
classroom. As the integrated curriculum is written, field trips,
guest speakers and lab experiences (outdoor and within
businesses/organizations) will be identified for specific grade levels
and integrated into the written curriculum.
Highlights
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The
math, science & technology instructional focus will take place
within a 90-minute, blocked period of instruction.
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A
math program, will feature higher order thinking and problem solving
skills such as analyzing, synthesizing, and comparing and
contrasting.
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A
science program, which features literature connections, themes and
hands-on, inquiry learning experiences.
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Real-world
connections will occur with businesses/organizations in the
community through mentoring, guest instructors and field
trips.
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Technology
connections for virtual field trips and interactive lessons will be
utilized.
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The
reading/language arts instructional framework will offer a rich
selection of nonfiction and fiction books that connect to the
math/science theme.
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Grade-specific
social studies standards will be taught. Several state
standards focus on effects of environment on U.S. history and
geography.
Enrollment
All elementary students
within the Sioux Falls School District may apply for enrollment in the
Math, Science & Technology School. Students currently living
inside the Lowell boundary area will automatically be enrolled in the
Math, Science & Technology School. Students outside of the
Lowell boundary area may apply for one of approximately 75 slots through
the district
open enrollment process. For students outside of the Lowell
boundary area, transportation will be the responsibility of the
family. Please call the Sioux Falls School District for further
details, 605.367.7900.
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