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Academics Plus
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| | The Academics Plus Program focuses on basic academics, including the "three R's" and a solid curriculum in composition, science and social studies. Enrichment subjects, such as art and music are taught, but the basics receive priority. The classroom setting utilizes whole group interactions in an orderly fashion in addition to small group activities, centers which are carefully planned by the teachers and individual seat work. This program is designed to instill within each child confidence, a sense of responsibility, pride in accomplishment, and a positive self-image through academic achievement. This program emphasizes an orderly learning environment. It is also expected that parents have the opportunity to actively participate in their children's education.
Teachers will help to insure a successful Academics Plus program by providing a weekly progress report on students academics and behavior. Grades 1-3 in academics plus should have 10 to 30 minutes of homework, grades 4-6 should have 30 to 60 minutes of homework.
Materials and teaching methods should be consistent with Academics Plus philosophy where the primary emphasis is on the basic academic skills in a more structured environment. Materials would offer sequential and complete instructional units. The classroom teacher will monitor the general progress of students in all academic subject areas.
The program as a whole should have the options to use materials listed on the state fragments that meet goals and philosophy of the Academics Plus program. You must meet district goals and objectives. Curriculum must follow a definite progression building on skills acquired at each grade level.
Some Basic Facts
The Chico Unified School district Academics Plus program began in September, 1975 at Sierra View Elementary School with only 4 classrooms. Currently the program features two classes for Kindergarten, 2 classes for grades 1-3, and one classroom for each of the grades 4-6. When it is necessary to determine which 30 students will be included in the 4th grade class, the student's date of registration will be used to determine seniority.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement and educational expectations are the foundation of the Academics Plus Program. Parent involvement is crucial for the success of our students, and parents are expected to maintain extensive involvement both at school and at home. Assisting with homework, reviewing and returning weekly progress reports, assisting in the classroom, supporting staff recommendations, maintaining open communications with teachers and principal at all times, supporting Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and following program “Guidelines for Success”, are just a few of the ways parents will be involved in the program. Numerous studies have shown that parent participation in education is the highest single indicator of a child’s academic success!
Parent Advisory Committee
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a 6 member committee whose members are elected by all Academics Plus Program parents to serve a two year term. The PAC meets on the second Monday of the month. Its work is based on a set of guidelines which are reviewed/revised annually. The Committee, as its name implies, assists the school district in dissemination of information, planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the objectives of the Academic Plus Program. In addition, the committee offers its suggestions to Academic Plus teachers in selection of academic materials used in the program. | |
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| | - Parents are expected to sign a commitment letter which required parental involve me
- Weekly reports are an expectation and one of the means of communication with the home.
- Parents are involved in curriculum decisions through the PAC
- Daily homework is an expectation.
- The Academic Plus Guidelines and Parent Commitment Letter give clear expectation of students, parents, and teacher
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