Building strong foundations in literacy and number skills is the primary mission of elementary curriculum and instruction. Effective instruction begins with high-quality academic standards that outline what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade level. Ohio's Learning Standards are the basis for our curriculum maps, learning targets, and lesson plans.
High quality instruction in OCS K-4 classrooms includes research-backed practices such as the use of formative assessment data to guide instruction, flexible groupings, explicit phonics instruction and comprehensive interventions for students experiencing learning challenges. We also offer intensive instruction for students with multiple disabilities, emotional disturbances, and intellectual disabilities.
At the elementary level, students receive intervention and enrichment in addition to their core instruction during a set-aside period called “ICE Time.” During ICE, or Intervention, Computer, and Enrichment Time, students receive small group intervention services, use technology to practice skills, and/or engage in activities designed to help students deepen their knowledge. No core instruction takes place during this time so students aren’t missing important information. Research based practices used during small group instruction include Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory reading strategies, close reading instruction, writing, and math help. Title 1 teachers and tutors, intervention specialists, and general education teachers provide the instruction.