Intermediate Division

Grades three, four, five and multi-age 3/4

Intermediate Division, in Grades three, four, five and multi-age 3/4, correlates instruction to state standards and national standards identified by leading subject area organizations to ensure academic excellence and relevance. Instruction targets standards for each subject. A variety of resources and strategies designed to integrate learning and behavioral styles are used to master these standards and concepts. In keeping with the IDS-CC philosophy, throughout the curriculum we emphasize student discovery, individual talents, cooperative learning, a positive can-do attitude, and the acquisition of a strong work ethic.

The program is challenging, relevant, engaging and even fun to learn! Intermediate Division standards and benchmarks are integrated throughout coursework and units of inquiry.

Developing a dynamic instructional context for learning comes with a “choreography” of how to work solo as well as with partners, teams, small groups and in large group instruction. We value work that organizes a variety of structures for learning that will mirror real life expectations.

CURRICULUM: Units of Inquiry

The goal for IDS-CC students is to make connections across disciplines and relate what they learn to life. Units of inquiry will provide the opportunity to incorporate both local and global issues in the content. Woven throughout our program is an inquiry model adapted from the International Baccalaureate PYP (Primary Years Program) programme in combination with the M.O.R.E. Approach (Multiple Options for Results in Education), which was developed at IDS-CC based on best practices and research in education. These inquiry lessons are correlated to National and state standards.. Throughout the year, students will work towards mastery of these learning targets through engaging themes.

	“Our children live in a global, digital world, a world transformed by technology and human ingenuity. Given the rapid rate of change, the vast amount of information to be managed, and the influence of technology on life in general, students need to apply current skill sets, as well as develop new skill sets to cope and thrive in this changing society.” The goal is to prepare our students for the 21st century as students, citizens and workers. As society changes the skills needed to negotiate the complexities of life also change. To achieve success in the 21st century students also need to attain proficiency in science, technology, and culture, as well as a thorough understanding of information in all its forms. (enGauge 21st Century Skills: Literacy in the Digital Age, http://pict.sdsu.edu/engauge21st.pdf)