Curriculum

An elementary school aged girl reads a book.

Our Mission

To provide students with knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

The Arizona Department of Education provides the academic standards that we teach. CUSD has broken those standards into performance objectives so that students can demonstrate benchmark competencies. This progress is monitored quarterly. In addition to language arts and mathematics objectives, science and social studies are regular parts of the curriculum. Students receive physical education weekly and participate in general music, library and technology classes. Fifth and sixth grade students may take band or orchestra in lieu of general music.

View CUSD Curriculum and State Standards by content area

Arizona Department of Education Academic Standards

Elementary Grading Guidelines

Elementary Student Handbook

Curriculum Breakdown at CTA Freedom

Spalding Method

Spalding is the basis for an integrated language arts program at the CTA schools. Spalding is a method or style of teaching that allows the teacher to observe the students, plan appropriate instruction and adjust instruction to meet student needs. Spalding uses direct, sequential, and multi-sensory instruction. Active participation of the students is an important part of the program.

There are 3 curriculum components to Spalding: Spelling, Reading and Written Composition. The Spalding philosophy is child-centered with high expectations for quality work. There is a purpose and a meaning for every lesson and the children are encouraged to develop higher-level thinking skills as they learn to spell, read and write.

Spelling involves phonemic awareness, Phonograms with handwriting, development of high-frequency vocabulary and learning the rules and concepts of English.

Written Composition develops an understanding of sentence structures starting at the simplest and moving to the complex. Children learn to apply and use spelling and language rules. Using the writing process, children write stories, reports, essays and more.

Reading is an essential element in which the children learn literary appreciation, discuss the elements of literature, read quality literature, learn about the text structures and author’s purpose and, most importantly, learn to comprehend the different types of text they read.

Visit Spalding's website

ELA

The English Language Arts curriculum is based on the Spalding Education program which includes direct instruction with phonograms, spelling, and handwriting. The K-5 "into Reading" and 6th-grade "Perspectives" curricula are comprehensive reading programs that incorporate writing as well as grammar. Both of these programs are intertwined within the classroom to best meet the needs of the students.

Accelerated Reader & Independent Reading

AR is in place at CTA-Freedom. Although our emphasis is from grades 2 on up, K and 1 students who are reading independently are able to take advantage of the AR program of testing comprehension. Personal goals are developed with the children with consideration to their reading rate and level.

At all of the CTA schools, independent reading at home and in school is a requirement. Students track their number of pages read throughout the term and are graded on their progress toward meeting the requirement. Independent reading becomes a part of their overall Reading grade. Students in grades 1 and 2 have a book requirement.

My Math / Glencoe

My Math (K-4) and Glencoe Math (5-6) curriculum, along with hands-on activities, practice with manipulatives, and other district approved and adopted materials shall be utilized at all grade levels to ensure the mastery of the standards and proficient mathematical practices. The math program is accelerated one year at all grade levels with supplemental materials to ensure mastery of all standards.

Mathematics shall include the mastery and practical application of basic mathematical principles. Students shall understand that mathematical problems have absolute answers and that precision and accuracy are required. Students use higher level thinking skills to solve conceptual problem-solving applications. The use of calculators to complete classwork or homework occurs only when directed by the teacher.

The mathematics basic facts program shall be taught to the mastery level using drill, repetition, and memorization to achieve appropriate accuracy and speed. Grade level year-end goals/expectations are as follows:

Grade 1 (+,-) 30 problems in 1 ½ min.

Grade 2 (+ - x ) 100 problems in 4 min.

Grade 3 (+ - x /)100 problems in 3 ½ min.

Grade 4 (+ - x /) 100 problems in 3 min.

Grade 5 (+ - x /)100 problems in 2 ½ min.

Grade 6 (+ - x /)100 problems in 2 min.

Special Subject Areas

Student Activities

Student Placement

At CTA Freedom we strive to find the best learning environment for each student while balancing the classrooms equally. To do this we use a variety of measures, including student academics, student behavior, teacher input and Environmental Forms
(when submitted).

Environmental Forms are a chance for parents to describe their child and the type of learning environment they have the most success. However, this is not a teacher request form. If you feel strongly about the environment in which your child is placed, please fill out and submit the an environmental request found in the office.

Teachers, administrators, specialist and our special education team all have a hand in creating the classes here at CTA Freedom. The process takes anywhere from 1.5 – 3 hours per grade level. We truly want every student to succeed which is why we take such care in creating each classroom community.

Thank you very much for taking the time to understand our process. When we all work together our students succeed!