Math
Currently, Ferndale Area Elementary is using “Everyday Math” in grades K4 - 5 and “Prentice Hall/Connected Math” in grade 6. These programs provide a balance of instruction in computation and problem solving and are research based and scientifically tested. Teachers and staff have been trained in this educational model and information pertaining to the program is shared with parents throughout the year. As a parent it is vital that you support your child’s education in the home. Helping with homework, asking about their day, or discussing a certain topic are easy ways for you to help educate your child. Only with cooperation between school and home can we meet the educational needs of your child.
Reading
The Ferndale Area Elementary School is using the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures reading program. It is built upon a foundation of research supporting the requirements of No Child Left Behind. Treasures provides our students a balance of rich, motivating fiction and engaging content area text. The program also uses a variety of effective manipulatives to increase student achievement. Guided Reading is also going to become a part of our reading program. We will be using Guided Reading libraries from Pearson Learning. Our K4 and Kindergarten programs will be using Ready Readers. This will provide all the books we need to match individual abilities and build reading confidence. Ready Readers features both nonfiction and fiction titles for the students to use. First through sixth grades will be using iOpeners for Guided Reading. iOpeners equips students with the skills and strategies they need to access and comprehend nonfiction. Students will not only be learning to read, but reading to learn.
Science
The Ferndale Area Elementary School provides science instruction in grades 4K to 6. Currently we are using the Macmillan/McGraw Hill science program. This is a developmentally appropriate program that incorporates direct instruction with hands on experiments. To further develop the science curriculum, we will be using FOSS materials to more fully develop certain areas of the curriculum. The FOSS curriculum is inquiry based and allows children to explore concepts through hands-on experiments.
4Sight
The 4Sight assessments are given four times a year to students in grades 3-6 at Ferndale Area Elementary School. 4Sight assessments are one-hour tests that mimic the formats, coverage, look, and feel of the PSSA. They produce overall scores that predict students' scores on state assessments. Further, 4Sight produces scores on key subskills designed around PA state standards - for example, interpreting text, drawing conclusions, geometry, and so on. These scores tell you where to focus professional development efforts to ensure student success.
DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)
The Developmental Reading Assessment is used in grades K-2 at Ferndale Area. The assessment measures accuracy, comprehension and fluency in the area of reading.
The DRA2 helps educators:
- Identify students' reading achievement through systematic observation, recording, and evaluation of performance
- Analyze data, document progress, and communicate assessment information to administrators, parents, and students
- Drive effective reading instruction tailored to critical intervention points derived from assessment results