Academics

Integrated Arts

The Integrated Arts program at Elk Meadow is committed to educating the whole child by nourishing the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and artistic development of each student. Arts integration uses teaching practices that have been shown in brain research to improve comprehension and long-term retention. When well-planned and implemented, arts integration is one of the most effective ways for a wide range of students with a wide range of interests, aptitudes, styles and experiences to form a community of active learners and take ownership of their own learning.

Elementary Instruction

The elementary school core curriculum focuses on the basics of

reading, speaking, listening, language, writing, math, science, health, social studies, handwriting, art, physical education, music, media and computer skills. Literacy instruction is a critical part of every elementary student's growth, so principals and teachers are encouraged to structure the school day so that literacy instruction is not interrupted. The district also strives for lower K-3 class sizes and provides additional academic support for students who need it.

Focus on Literacy: A Reading Initiative for Young Readers

Reading lays the groundwork for every subject a child will study in school. Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to ensuring that every student is able to read at grade level by third grade. Giving young readers the best start possible will provide a strong foundation for their entire educational career.

Individually Focused. Committed to All.

When Bend-La Pine Schools students graduate, they should come equipped to do the following:

• Persevere when faced with challenges
• Value and exercise creativity
• Discover how critical thinking skills are used across disciplines
• Become a functioning member of a team
• Exercise effective communication and presentation skills
• Understand the importance of taking initiative
• Learn about various aspects of leadership and develop those skills
• Adapt and problem solve
• Manage time and create a plan for accomplishing a task or goal
• Know how to find reliable, accurate information

EBISS

Elk Meadow uses a process called “Effective Behavior and Instructional Support Systems” (EBISS) to ensure that each child makes significant academic progress. We review all elementary students’ progress in the area of reading and math three times a year. In some cases, all students are given a short assessment. At other times, a team of professionals simply reviews existing academic, behavior and attendance information. The teams use the data to decide which students are doing well in the standard classroom instruction, which students may need supplemental instruction, and which students may need individualized instruction. When students receive supplemental small group or individualized instruction, we check their progress frequently. We use “decision rules” to look at the student’s progress and decide if the child needs to have a different kind of supplemental instruction. During individualized interventions, we monitor children’s progress each week.

TAG

The Elk Meadow Elementary School community is dedicated to providing a safe, inspiring learning environment where every student will grow and develop to be a successful citizen. In planning our instructional programs, we recognize the unique intellectual, emotional and social needs of our Talented and Gifted (TAG) and other high-achieving students and strive to meet all of their needs.