The Language Arts program is the vehicle that ensures students develop the strategies and skills they need to comprehend and communicate effectively. Reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and presenting are addressed within our curriculum, which is aligned with the Common Core State Standards provided by the State of Connecticut.

Literacy development is greatest when written, spoken and visual communication are taught in context. Students are expected to be active learners who are flexible and prepared to grow as they organize, analyze, revise, evaluate and synthesize information. Students are also encouraged to develop an appreciation and respect for all forms of literacy.

Our Social Studies program is grounded in guiding principles from the National Council for the Social Studies:

• Social Studies prepares the nation’s young people for success in college and career, as well as informed, engaged participation in civic life.
• Inquiry is at the heart of social studies instruction.
• Social Studies involves interdisciplinary instruction and benefits from interaction with and integration of the arts and humanities.
• Social Studies is composed of deep and enduring understandings, concepts, and skills from the disciplines.
• Social Studies instructors should emphasize skills and practices that prepare students for informed and engaged participation in civic life.
• Social Studies education has direct and explicit connections to the Common Core State Standards for English/language arts and literacy in history/social studies.

The inquiry process is absolutely critical for effective student understanding of history, geography, civics, and economics, and is emphasized throughout the curriculum. Inquiry guides the teaching of social studies at all levels. By our definition, inquiry instruction is based on both teachers and students asking (and answering) compelling questions; social studies instruction should consist of more than a teacher solely telling students “what they need to know.” Student investigation of subject matter is the most critical component of inquiry. Inquiry eliminates the old “skills vs. content” dilemma; to successfully engage in an inquiry activity, students and teachers will have to use both. The social studies program emphasizes these skills in the service of helping students discover rich social studies content.