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    All students are assessed in all subject matter prior to the first day of school or during their first week. PreK to sixth grade students take the DIBELS test for reading in the fall, winter and spring. Second through seventh grade students take the Stanford 10 in the fall and spring. A skills checklist is made for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies in September for each student and are updated weekly. These correlate to the Illinois State Learning Standards. There are also pre and post tests for mathematics throughout the school year. Parents and students assist in assessing what was learned and are encouraged to highlight areas for improvements. Lesson plans for the week are made available to parents when requested at the beginning of each week. Our methods for learning include: Hands on learning Students learning using hands-on authentic methods. No workbooks are used in class! Rather, students learn how to apply concepts in a realistic manner for every subject taught.
Inquiry Based Learning Students first learn how to learn. This means that they are taught research and study skills so that they may find solutions to problems independently. They are often given critical thinking questions that they must find answers to. Then students present to the class what was learned.
Project Based Learning Various monthly projects empower students to take learning into their own hands. Through these projects, students learn how to apply their knowledge to the real world. Some of these projects include self publishing stories as books, monthly science projects, and creating a web cast on politics and economics.
Authentic Assessments Students are able to showcase their knowledge and multiple intelligences in various ways that are approved by the teacher. These authentic assessments are given for all subject areas and are graded using a rubric by the teachers and classmates.
Student and Parent Assessments Students and parents are encouraged often to participate in the assessment process. Classmates use rubrics to grade the projects and presentations of others. Students also grade themselves using self assessments and parents can monitor portfolios and and assess their child using a rubric as well.
PACE (Practice Apply Construct Evaluate) Learning No two students learn the same, therefore, we have created PACE to allow students to learn various topics at their own pace. For example students studying algebra gradually progress to greater levels based upon mastery of the current level. This mastery is measured through projects, presentations and formal assessments. Therefore, PACE stands for practicing a topic, applying knowledge to solve problems, construct a project, and evaluate their knowledge.
Portfolios Personal portfolios are made for writing, science, and math. Both parents and students are be encouraged to monitor and evaluate the portfolios on a weekly basis. |
Holman Leadership Academy Enlightening Minds to Lead!
Student Presentations Our young leaders give weekly presentations on "Presentation Friday"! They are preparing now for successful futures.
Guest Speakers Our leaders learn from real business and community leaders on a bimonthly basis. Click on "Guest Speakers for previous and future guest speakers". Â
Community Involvement Our leaders learn about community concerns and have visited Operation Push, a City Council meeting, and the Black Wall street economic summit.
Hands on Learning Our leaders do a variety of projects which require them to use their knowledge on various topics.
Field Learning Students take bimonthly field trips to museums and cultural events. Click on "Field Trips" for previous and future trips.
Teaching and Assessment Methods
