Curriculum

PS 452 teachers follow NYC and NY State guidelines as they plan curriculum and lesson plans based on the individual needs of students. They are also supported by the subject-based programs to enhance students' learning experiences and outcomes.

Resources

​Mathematics

Everyday Math is correlated to New York State Standards. It is a balanced math approach that engages students in real-life problem solving using multiple methods for skills practice. Benefits of the program include a detailed home/school connection and appropriate use of technology. Everyday Mathematics is a comprehensive Pre-K through 6th grade mathematics curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. It is currently being used in over 185,000 classrooms by almost 3,000,000 students. An example can be found here: Understanding Base Ten and Using it to Add and Subtract

Science

New York State uses the P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) to ensure a robust science education for all students that will strengthen college and career readiness. The NYSSLS provides all students with interactive science instruction that promotes analysis and interpretation of data, critical thinking, problem solving, and connections across science disciplines—with a high set of expectations for achievement in grades P–12.

The NYSLS emphasizes three distinct, yet equally important dimensions that help students learn science. Each dimension is integrated into the standards and helps build a powerful foundation to help students better understand the world in which they live. The standards are based on guiding documents grounded in the most current research in science and scientific learning, and reflect the importance of every student’s engagement with the three dimensions of learning science; Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts.

Literacy

PS 452 uses a balanced literacy approach. Balanced literacy integrates various aspects of literacy teaching and learning. Assessment-based planning is at the core of this model. The balanced literacy approach is characterized by explicit skill instruction and the use of authentic texts. Components of a balanced literacy program include: Interactive Read Aloud, Demonstration Writing, Shared Reading, Interactive Writing, Guided Reading, and independent practice. Our teachers are supported by professional development training and resources from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University.

Social Studies

In order to become responsible citizens, we teach children to learn about their community, the world, and themselves. We create dynamic learning opportunities for our students utilizing project-based units in Social Studies. We include in our studies the valuable resources that our city has to offer, including our neighborhood treasures, The American Museum of Natural History and The New York Historical Society.