Curriculum
The core curriculum of Middle School 53 is shaped by the New York City and State Framework for grades 6-8. Within the structure of our classes, there is differentiation, enrichment and/or acceleration across all subject areas. A unique combination of teaching styles guides our diverse learners in the development of higher level thinking skills.
Our curriculum builds on fundamentals to promote a hands-on, discovery approach to learning. Children work both independently and in groups on projects that stimulate their powers of logic and imagination. Creative problem solving, divergent thinking, research, and self-evaluation are emphasized in each classroom, in tandem with more traditional skills. At the same time, our children are assisted in developing essential social skills; sensitivity to and respect for others, effective communication and self-esteem. Guiding them are highly qualified and talented educators whose awareness of the needs of diverse learners inspires teaching that is both dynamic and nurturing.
During the beginning of the 2019-20 school year, we re-codified our 6-8 Grading Policy.
EUREKA MATH/EnVision
The mathematics curriculum is skill-based and aligned with the standards created by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Common Core and Next Generation. These standards guide children through the mathematics curriculum by understanding its role in everyday life. Everyday Math is incorporated into the balanced math curriculum in grades 6-8. Teachers in present a balance approach to math using Envison Math and New Visions.
In grade 8, the mathematics curriculum continues this progression and includes the Regents Integrated Algebra course.
At MS 53, our rigorous math instruction is guided by enVision Math by Pearson. enVision Math2.0 Common Core is a comprehensive mathematics curriculum for Grades 6–8.
It builds on the proven effectiveness of the enVision series, supporting coherent, focused, and rigorous mathematics. enVisionmath2.0 addresses the Common Core State Standards through problem solving, interactive experiences, and visual learning. Personalized math practice, built-in interventions, and customizable content deepen understanding and improve achievement.
amplify science
At MS 53, observing, hypothesizing, designing & conducting experiments, collecting & analyzing data, and drawing conclusions are emphasized in our hands-on, minds-on, inquiry & discovery approach to science.
Using Amplify Science as the core component of our program, students in all grades receive instruction from one of highly qualified science instructors.
The entire science program 6-8 is adapted and enriched to meet the high interest level of the students. Our middle school students study units in life sciences, earth science, and physical science, during 6th and 7th grades, and soon will be taking the New York State Regents level Living Environment course in 8th grade. Successful completion of this course allows students the opportunity to take more advanced level and AP science courses during their high school years.
Science is an integral part of our academic track, and we are meeting the new city and state science requirements by providing students with the appropriate amount of instructional time in this content area.
Amplify Science guiding our science instruction. Amplify Science blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. Striving to engage all students deeply with challenging content while also providing powerful tools that help understand and respond to the needs of every student. It has an online platform that piques our students interest and technology needs.
ENGLISH Language Arts
Our English Language Arts curriculum Reading and writers’ workshops are presented within the New York State curriculum guidelines. Read-aloud, accountable talk and analysis of stories are some of the components stressed within the literary program.
Throughout their grade 6-8 years, students read short stories, poetry, novels and classic works of literature as well as the works of modern writers. Creative writing projects include poetry, fiction, feature articles, comic books, persuasive essays, informational research and literary analysis.
MS 53 uses the Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Book system to match books to readers. Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell are two Reading Recovery-trained experts who developed a tool creating a gradient of text, from easiest to most challenging, using levels A to Z. Our teachers assess students to see what their independent reading level is (this is a comfortable level, where students do not have to do much work as a reader in order to get a lot of meaning from the text), and also students’ instructional reading level for their work with the classroom teacher (this is a more difficult level where the demands of the text require teacher guidance and instruction). We also use diagnostic tools like MAP and Gates-McGinnitie to assess reading levels.
We also use the CoreReady LitLife curriculum in our classes. LitLife ensures joyful student learning while dramatically increasing literacy proficiency through interactive professional development, culturally responsive curriculum, and strategic organizational planning.
Social Studies passport
We use the Passport Social Studies to guide our humanities and social studies curriculum. The NYCDOE K-8: Passport to Social Studies program is a comprehensive instructional resource that integrates the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) and the New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework to support strong social studies teaching and learning.
An effective social studies program allows students to make sense of the world in which they live, make connections between major ideas and their own lives, and see themselves as active members of a global community. While knowledge of content is very important, it is equally important to engage our students in historical thinking.
This program challenges students to think like historians and encourages them to raise questions, think critically, consider many perspectives, and gather evidence in support of their interpretations through the practice of chronological processing, decision-making, and historical research and analysis. These real-world skills will serve students well as participating citizens of a democracy.
computer Technology
Using Apple laptop computers, students in grades 2-5 are introduced to computer languages, word processing, databases, typing and advanced computer technology. Computers are also available in every classroom as well as in our new Library Media Center.
Students in grades 6-8 also utilize Apple laptop computers throughout the curriculum in social studies, English, math and science.
We also have a Virtual Enterprise lab with 3-D printing capabilities. Students also collaborate on our yearbook in their technology classes.
foreign language
Grades 6-8 students pursue a more rigorous and formal study of Spanish language and culture, incorporating expanded opportunities for students to utilize their Spanish language skills. The MS 53 curriculum will also include preparation for the New York State Proficiency exam for those students who are interested.
Arts
The role of the art program at MS 53 is to inspire students to explore the different ways that they can express themselves visually. The lessons are developmentally appropriate art experiences that challenge students to think about the world around them. The philosophy of the art program emphasizes our students as potential artists who view the world from their own unique perspective and experiences. These experiences are communicated through explorations with different materials such as drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and sculpture. Not only do the students begin to express themselves creatively, but they begin to learn the language of art, such as line, shape, color and form.
All art lessons are aligned with the curriculum and standards set forth by the NYC Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts, the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts and the National Visual Art Standards. The lessons work to support the standards of other disciplines such as math, literacy, science, social studies and technology. Students are expected to develop their abilities to communicate visually, orally and in written form within the Art Room/Studio. We use student artwork, art reproductions, children’s art books, picture books and technology to assist us in furthering these goals.
The artistic development of each child is a blueprint for how we approach these goals. Children learn best when their learning matters to them – when it’s connected to their lives and experiences – and filled with wonder, joy and fun!