CURRICULUM & TEACHING Approach
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S.T.R.E.A.M Program
The goal of our STREAM program is to develop students into innovative lifelong learners and independent thinkers. Thus, we have added Reading/Writing and Arts to the traditional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
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Multilingualism
Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and English are the three most spoken languages in the world. ISSAC believes learning multiple languages gives our students a broad cultural connection, in addition to proven cognitive benefits.
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Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social emotional learning is entwined with our daily curriculum to empower students to consciously design their character and commitments, and to turn these choices into actions that with practice become habits.
ISSAC'S TEACHING APPROACH
Project-based Learning
ISSAC's project-based learning approach evolves from John Dewey and Tsunesaburo Makiguchi’s value creation paradigm, which presumes that -- given a problem to be solved or a project goal -- students will learn what it takes to solve that problem or to accomplish that goal.
ISSAC 2019/20 Projects:
I am a Global Citizen
My Environment, My Responsibility
Our Human Rights
Life: A Healthy Coexistence
Understanding My World and Community
I am a Humanitarian
Through these projects, our students engage in challenging tasks and complex problem-solving, both independently and in small groups, to facilitate a depth of understanding well beyond rote memorization.
Differentiated Learning
Differentiated learning occurs at ISSAC through flexible grouping and a rotational model classroom.
We group students based on individual needs and adjust the grouping as the needs change.
Differentiation is fine-tuned in the classroom as students rotate through activity centers that include a teacher-led activity, online/blended learning, independent practice, and group collaboration.
For example, our online learning through G Suite for Education allows students to engage in safe and secure games and activities that adapt continuously to their individual progress.
Our unique differentiation is not restricted by grades, and fully supports Special Education, English Learners and GATE.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
ISSAC is designed to exceed California CCSS.
Our students, like all California public school students, must participate in state standardized testings; and ISSAC, as a public school, does publish results in the annual School Accountability Report Card (SARC).
ISSAC also conducts MAP assessments periodically to support and focus teaching and learning efforts.