The Thomas Edison Charter Schools' curriculum is patterned after highly-successful schools outside of Utah. It highlights a strong academic focus on elemental skills development and uses a direct instruction teaching philosophy.
Skills are taught explicitly so students have a clear understanding of how to read, write, calculate and problem solve.
One of our fundamental philosophies is that we teach to the top students. Where other programs often teach to the middle or lower achieving students in an effort to not leave them behind, the effect is that top-tier students aren't sufficiently challenged.
As we set our standards well-above state proficiency guidelines, our students consistently rise to our expectations. We then offer many support services for the students who aren't yet proficient. In effect, we teach to the high then accommodate the low, where common practice in the nation's public schools is to teach to the low and accommodate the high.
This application of core philosophy ensures we meet the needs of every student.
Thomas Edison students receive instruction in all state-required subject areas. Though we adhere to all state curriculum standards, we view them as minimums. Our teachers are trained and commissioned to hold students to high standards of academic achievement and personal accountability.
The Spalding Method is our primary source of language arts instruction. Saxon is our primary source of mathematics instruction, taught at an advanced level. The Utah State Core Standards provide the foundation of our science and history instruction.
If one were to observe a class and then walk to the other side of the school and observe another -
This consistent application of instructional methods permeates every classroom.
Ours is a consistent curriculum that works; we aren’t experimenting on our students! Our program has vertical and horizontal alignment, and all teachers use school-approved curriculum from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The curriculum is consistent as it evolves and builds through the years.
The Utah State Core Standards serve as the foundation to the subjects taught and provide a minimum basis for academic requirements.
The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spalding is the schools' program for phonics that uses diagnostic teaching. Teachers adjust their instruction to their classes' needs.
The Spalding handwriting program is taught in grades K-5 and reinforced through 8th grade. Cursive writing is introduced in second grade, based on the child's ability. Neatness and legibility of penmanship are expected and stressed through daily drill.
The Spalding spelling program, which consistently teaches spelling rules, is part of the language arts curriculum. It teaches students how to analyze the structure of English words. The correct spelling of all words is stressed in all subjects.
Reading comprehension is taught explicitly and practiced daily with a variety of materials including short, focused passages and quality, award-winning literature. The language program includes daily practice and drills in fundamental English grammar, its rules, and usage.
Each student memorizes and recites pre-approved selections of either prose or poetry at least once every six weeks.
All students are expected to express themselves in a grammatically correct manner that emphasizes clarity of thought and preciseness in spelling and penmanship. A variety of writing experiences are provided at each grade level. Students learn how to write across various genres with rich language. In the upper grades, writing is supported with in-depth research instruction.
The science program includes concepts in physical, chemical, earth, and biological sciences. It is based on the Utah State Core Science Standards and the philosophy of Thomas Edison Charter Schools. A hands-on program is part of the science learning process. All middle school students participate in the science fair each year to gain experience with the scientific method, independent research, and presentation skills.
As part of the schools' focus and philosophy, mathematics is taught at an advanced level using Saxon Math. Mathematics develops several critical habits of mind: clarity of thought, logic skills, abstract thinking, and self-reliance in thinking. The program uses oral drill and written practice sheets and stresses memorization of math facts, but Saxon Math is much more than just drills, it teaches how math works! It provides a stimulating math learning experience that imparts a continuity of instruction from kindergarten through the secondary grades.
The computer and technology curriculum supports the schools' principles, emphasizes the use of computers as tools to enhance classroom learning, and prepares students to compete in the modern world.
Art appreciation is an integral part of the basic program, and students learn about and reflect on artwork by the masters. The principles and fundamentals of art are taught with interesting and stimulating projects. Students from kindergarten up are taught skills and techniques through art lessons which are often integrated with other content areas.
Elementary students participate bi-weekly in general music classes. Note-reading, rhythm, singing, improvisation, and music appreciate are taught. Beginning in 4th grade, students may participate in band or orchestra. A choir class which produces a school musical is offered to middle school students.
Each student participates in the structured Dynamic Physical Education program by Robert Pangrazi, an internationally recognized expert in physical education training. PE and health classes also emphasize good health habits, nutrition, general safety rules, and first aid and life-saving techniques.
Courtesy, respect, decency, civility, honesty, and the meaning of citizenship are taught. Teachers set examples for students and teach them through acknowledgment, praise, and role-playing. Respect for personal and public property is expected of all students.
The middle school curriculum satisfies and incorporates all of the elements identified in the Utah State Core Standards so that students are well prepared for high school. The program includes rotations between subjects such as English, math, science, history, literature, technology, health, and physical education. Elective classes include art, choir, band, orchestra, language exploration, STEM concepts, and team sports.
About Our Accelerated Curriculum!
Advanced math
Focus on research & writing
We teach cursive
History Fair - Students often go to Nationals
Science Fair
Spelling Bee
Geography Bowl
7 specials a week with 3 recess breaks
We still use chalkboards!
Patriotic assemblies
Band & Orchestra
An important part of the Thomas Edison philosophy includes homework on Mondays - Thursdays.
The purpose for homework is three-fold: