Arthur Elementary has many exciting programs that we want to tell you about. Our staff was trained this summer in Great Expectations and is excited to be implementing this new program. Arthur is one of seventeen schools in the Oklahoma City School District that implements both Core Knowledge and Great Expectations.
 



 
The Core Knowledge Program began with the work of Dr. E. D. Hirsch, an educational researcher, who proposed the idea that all children need to be taught a common body of basic knowledge crucial to successful and productive communication in our society. He called the concept "cultural literacy".

Dr. Hirsch translated his cultural literacy idea into a K-8 curriculum called Core Knowledge. It is a specified curriculum of ideas, concepts, and those things which an educated person is assumed to know by the popular press, media, business world, and others in the society. A person who does not have knowledge of this specified body of information is perceived to be at a disadvantage and unable to participate fully in the society.

The Core Knowledge Curriculum is broad, containing content from the subject areas of language arts, mathematics, history, geography, fine arts, and science. Central to the Core Knowledge Curriculum is a knowledge of classical literature, mythology, and the relationship between the English language and other languages. The curriculum is sequenced by grade level in such a way as to encourage the integration of subject areas into thematic teaching unit
 

 

      


 
The Great Expectations teaching model is an eclectic approach to teaching that encompasses the very best of what is known about teaching today.  Drawing from many learning theories, teachers do whatever it takes to teach the students, through an integrated, holistic curriculum.  Students become self-directed learners, productive citizens, effective communicators, critical thinkers, and cooperative contributors to the classroom, as well as to society.

Some of the Great Expectation Classroom Practices are:

1.  The teacher models desired behaviors and attitudes such as those set forth in the Life Principles and the Eight Expectations for Living.

2.  Students and teachers speak in complete sentences and address one another by name, demonstrating mutual respect and common courtesy.

3.  Students are taught as a whole group, thoroughly and to mastery, with intensive and specific modifications insuring success for all.

4.  Lessons are integrated, related to the real world, reviewed consistently, and connected to subsequent curricula.

5.  Critical thinking skills are taught.

6.  A non threatening environment, conducive to risk-taking, is evident.  Mistakes are okay.  Students are taught to learn from their mistakes and to correct them.

There are other classroom practices.  To learn more, please ask your child's teacher.