Curriculum | Curricular Themes | Curriculum Maps

• Development of New Curriculum
• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science
• Technology
• Specialists

All curriculum at the Williamstown Elementary School follows the guidelines of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Written curriculum guides have been developed for each subject area; the purpose of these guides is to insure consistency in our treatment of the various curricula areas.

Development of New Curriculum
When new curriculum is developed, the school employs the following process:

I. Assessment of present program/research

• Examine and assess present program
• Form subject area committee to oversee work
  
• Research other programs/speakers/visitations/best practices/readings
  
• Communicate curriculum focus and welcome input from community
  
• Share findings with faculty
  

II. Develop the Curriculum

• Develop consistent format for curriculum guides
• Establish multiple assessment tools
  
• Define subject standards based upon national, state and school standards
  
• Develop grade level benchmarks
  
• Develop grade level activities and diverse instructional strategies to meet
  
• Map the curriculum
  

III. Implementation

• Provide needed professional development
  
• Allocate needed resources
  

IV. Communicate the Curriculum

• Make curriculum guides available to staff
  
• Announce the completion of the curriculum
  
• Make curriculum information available to parents

V. Assess the Curriculum

• Assess student performance using teacher observation, rubrics, student products and
  
• performances, self-assessments, school and standardized testing, and report cards
  
• Assess effectiveness of the curriculum
  
• Make recommendations regarding modification of the curriculum and needs of staff
  
• Continue oversight of the curriculum

Language Arts
The reading program at the school emphasizes a literature based approach whereby children read a variety of high quality literature and engage in activities that stress the meaning of what is read. Supporting skills of phonics, word recognition and word meaning are all developed within the overall goal of increasing our children’s enjoyment and understanding of literature. In order to provide for a consistent understanding of phonics, the Williamstown Elementary School employs Project Read at the early grades, supplemented by the Lively Letters program developed by Nancy Telian.

Writing receives a special emphasis at the school. Children write frequently, utilizing a writing process that encourages the development of content and subsequent revision and editing. The school has adopted the Collins Writing Program methodology and has developed focus correction areas at each grade level to help teachers emphasize particular skills in content, style, organization and mechanics.

Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum addresses the need for children to thoroughly understand mathematical concepts so that their learning can be applied to many different problem solving situations. In order to accomplish this the Williamstown Elementary School has adopted the Everyday Math program. A large part of this program involves children solving real-life problems so that math skills are being applied in meaningful ways.

Social Studies
The social studies curriculum emphasizes how children learn, as well as what they learn. Teachers recognize that children must learn how to assume active responsibility for the world in which they live. The social studies curriculum is organized with a global perspective so that children learn how to live and make decisions in a world that is extremely interdependent.

Science
The science curriculum emphasizes units of study in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences. Each grade level studies a few concepts in depth so that the children can gain a thorough understanding of scientific concepts in a manner that allows them to form and test hypotheses. A new science room allows students to perform science experiments with current and appropriate equipment.

Technology
The Williamstown Elementary School has been able to equip two modern technology laboratories and provide multiple computers in each classroom. This hardware, when used with the software selected by our technology committee, allows students to integrate technology into their everyday learning. Teachers have developed specific lessons which use technology. Students in 5th and 6th grade meet twice weekly with a computer lab instructor. First though Fourth graders meet once a week.

• Learn more about the technology skills taught at Williamstown Elementary School.

Specialists
Students at the Williamstown Elementary School experience two periods of physical education/health, and one period each of art, vocal music/drama and library each week. These special subjects are integrated into the themes of instruction which take place at every grade level.

The vocal music room includes creative movement, singing, the use of instruments and recorded music. The concepts of rhythm, harmony, form, tone, expression and interpretation are introduced through listening, performing and creating. Instrumental lessons and involvement in band and/or orchestra begin in fourth grade for interested students. The art program exposes students to the concepts of line, shape, color, texture and form using media such as wood, clay cloth, paper, yarn, paints, etc. Art history is also covered in considerable detail, incorporating trips to the Williams College Museum of Art and the Clark Art Museum.
The physical education program focuses on the importance of physical activity as it contributes to mental health and enjoyment. The lessons teach skills and offer activities in both individual and team sports, as well as those skills necessary to maintain physical coordination and fitness. The health curriculum is integrated into many physical education classes, as well as into regular classroom instruction.