PARENTS – Desert Trails Preparatory Academy

FOR PARENTS

COMMON CORE STANDARDS

At Desert Trails Preparatory Academy we are fully implementing the Common Core Standards that have been adopted by the state of California. These standards create the lessons that are taught every day. Teachers use a variety of resources to create specific lessons that will meet the needs of all of their scholars, including English Language Learners. Teachers implement the strategies they have learned in their credentialing courses, staff development, collaboration, and hands-on experiences. Scaffolding is included in each lesson to ensure that all scholars are able to achieve the high expectations that have been set for them. Read More

COMMON CORE STANDARD-ELA LITERACY

The Common Core asks students to read stories and literature, as well as more complex texts that provide facts and background knowledge in areas such as science and social studies. Students will be challenged and asked questions that push them to refer back to what they’ve read. This stresses critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are required for success in college, career, and life. Read More

COMMON CORE STANDARD-MATH

The Common Core concentrates on a clear set of math skills and concepts. Students will learn concepts in a more organized way both during the school year and across grades. The standards encourage students to solve real-world problems. Read More

CURRICULUM

There is a variety of materials for teachers to utilize while teaching the Common Core Standards. In addition to listed resources, teacher create materials as well to ensure that each standard is obtainable by each individual scholar.

ELA: Benchmark Advance
Math: EnVision (Pearson)
Writing:
Science: Teacher’s Curriculum Institute
Social Studies: Teacher’s Curriculum Institute

ASSESSMENT

Lessons that are taught at Desert Trails Preparatory Academy are driven by both Common Core standards and assessment data. Assessments are a critical part of the education process. Each teacher utilizes a variety of assessments on a weekly and bi-weekly basis to guide instruction. In addition to these assessments, as a school, there are specific assessments that are given by grade level three to four times in a school year.

Transitional Kindergarten: Letter Recognition, Sound Recognition, Number Recognition, Colors, Shapes, Counting by 1’s and iReady (Computerized Reading and Math Assessment).

Kindergarten: Letter Recognition, Sound Recognition, Number Recognition, Colors, Shapes, Counting, Reading Progress, Writing and iReady (Computerized Reading and Math Assessment).

1st Grade: iReady (Computerized Reading and Math Assessment), Gates McGhinitie (Reading Assessment), DRA (Reading Level), Writing

2nd Grade: iReady (Computerized Reading and Math Assessment), Gates McGhintie (Reading Assessment), DRA (Reading Level), Writing

3rd Grade: iReady (Computerized Reading and Math Assessment), Gates McGhinitie (Reading Assessment), DRA (Reading Level), Writing

4th Grade: iReady (Computerized Reading and Math Assessment), Gates McGhinitie (Reading Assessment), Writing

5th Grade: iReady (Computerized Reading and Math Assessment), Gates McGhinitie (Reading Assessment), Writing

6th Grade: iReady (Computerized Reading and Math Assessment), Gates McGhinitie (Reading Assessment), Writing

In the Spring all scholars in 3rd – 6th grade will also take the CAASPP Assessment. This assessment in computerized and completely aligned with Common Core Standards. All 5th graders will also take the STAR Science Assessment and the Physical Fitness Test.

For additional information on the CAASPP Assessments, please follow the link below:

https://www.caaspp.org/

To take a practice Smarter Balance test, please follow the link below:

Smarter Balance test

For additional information on the 5th and 8th grade California Science Test CAST, please follow the link below:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/caasppscience.asp

For additional information on the 5th grade Physical Fitness Test, please follow the link below:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/

For additional information on the iReady test, please follow the link below:

http://www.curriculumassociates.com/products/iready/i-ready-takethetour.aspx

ELPAC ASSESSMENT

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, also known as ELPAC, is administered on a yearly basis. Assessment qualifications are determined by the Language Survey that all enrolled scholars must have completed.

ELPAC assessments are administered at the beginning of the school year. Tests are sent off for scoring by the state, and reports are returned to the school.

These scores provide useful information to the teachers. This information helps them modified lessons to best fit each scholars needs. Doing this will help each scholar achieve their full potential.