Academics

Blackford students are engaged in a rigorous curriculum focusing on the California State Standards.  Using State adopted textbooks and supplementary materials, Blackford Bobcats achieve! Students are regrouped throughout the day to differentiate, meeting individual needs.

Reading:  Using the Excel model for reading instruction which supports the Houghton Mifflin text adoption, students are assessed, placed,and monitored for proficiency, then regrouped every six weeks.  Teachers plan together throughout the year to ensure a well articulated, focused curriculum.  Educational Associates work with the classroom teacher with small groups on skill specific tasks that change with each group of students.

Math: In addition to the core math adoption of Houghton Mifflin, Blackford is proud to offer students access to Stanford University's "Educational Program for Gifted Youth" (EPGY).  This online math curriculum is a self paced and set at each child's ability level. Students have access at school, working for 100 minutes a week, and the ability to access the program and work from home.

Writing: Blackford teachers use the WRITE model of instruction to scaffold student development in writing.  Words Their Way word work is a developmental spelling program designed to build knowledge of spelling patterns, vocabulary and phonemic awareness.  Again, students are assessed every six weeks, and work at their current developmental level.   Children's work is published through our online EdPrint publishing program.  Districtwide writing celebrations provide a real audience for student work to be celebrated at our spring Writing Fair at the Campbell Library, and our Rising Young Author's celebration in the Fall.

ELD: Students learning English as a second language engage in 150 minutes of English Language Development (ELD) using the Avenues curriculum. They are grouped together according to CELDT level, and ongoing assessment through ADEPT, informing instructional next steps.

Science/GATE : At the same time of the day, students who are not in the ELD program participate in extension projects in science.  Hands on lessons extend the core science adoption.  Children in these courses also have access to the Renzulli Learning System, an online program that encourages students to do web quests based on interest.

Social Science, art, music,and PE are offered throughout the week, and are integrated into the curriculum.

Students not meeting standards are engaged in a variety of interventions.  Community volunteers, the Learning Express program,and intensive interventions with the Language3! curriculum serve to move students toward proficiency in Language Arts.

Fee based after school programs are offered to round out the whole child. Please see our web page for current offerings.