Academics
ACADEMICS
Shenendehowa prides itself on its commitment to providing high-quality and innovative educational programs. Preparing students with 21st-century skills requires a major shift from the traditional education model focused on the increasingly competitive global society, rapid technological advancements and a heightened sense of accountability for performance.
Shenendehowa Course Progressions
Shenendehowa provides a visual, sequential outline of content (K-5) and course (6-12) progressions based on various levels (Regents, honors, accelerated) to help parents and students understand how to best plan for their academic success and preparation for graduation.
Core Course Progressions
- ELA Gr. K-5
- ELA Gr. 6-12
- Mathematics Gr. K-5
- Mathematics Gr. 6-12
- Science Gr. K-5
- Science Gr. 6-12
- Social Studies Gr. K-5
- Social Studies Gr. 6-12
- World Languages Gr. 7-12
Special Area Course Progressions
- Art K-12
- Business 9-12
- CTE (Career & Technology Education) Gr. 6-12
- Counseling K-5
- Counseling 6-12
- Health Gr. 5-12
- Music Gr. K-5
- Music Gr. 6-12
- Physical Education
Academic Progressions Presentation
Learning at Shenendehowa
Learning at Shenendehowa is focused on the deep and meaningful study of content areas through innovative practices including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Learning in the 21st century is enhanced through the integration of technology, capitalizing on its potential to transform and modernize the educational environment. Technology often helps to stimulate intellectual curiosity, increase student engagement, and replicate the manner in which students and adults seek information and collaborate in their communication and work.
Student Data and Assessment Dashboard
In an effort to be more transparent and make information more accessible, Shenendehowa has compiled the most recent statistics from the N.Y.S. Education Department Report Card and other sources into one document referred to as the “Dashboard.”
New York State Testing Program
To provide schools, teachers, and parents with an assessment of student achievement, New York State has developed the New York State Testing Program. These standardized tests challenge students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the core subjects.
- In New York State, all public school districts give state tests in English language arts and math to all students in grades 3-8. In addition, all fourth- and eighth graders must take a science test.
- High School students in New York State are required to pass five Regents exams in order to graduate — in English, Math (any one), U.S. History & Government, Global History and Science (any one).
Information about Refusal to Take the Test
The district fully endorses and supports the use of diagnostic assessments as a part of a comprehensive educational process to measure ability, achievement, and readiness and to be used for guidance purposes.
Testing provides an evaluation of content mastery and skills in various courses of study and is used to shape future instruction and reflect on instructional practices. Assessment data is critical to forming a complete understanding of a student’s academic needs, such as Academic Intervention Services (AIS) or acceleration/enrichment.
Tests at the elementary and middle school level provide students with an opportunity to get used to and practice standardized testing. It would be detrimental for students if their first exposure to standardized tests was the high-stakes Regents exams required for graduation.
Specific to NYS assessments and in accordance with the federal requirements and Sections 100.3 and 100.4 of the Commissioner’s regulations, there is no provision that allows parents to opt their children out of state tests.
If a student refuses to take an assessment, the student will be removed from the testing room so as not to create a distraction for other students. The student will be allowed to do school work in another location. Parents are encouraged to help prepare students to take assessments by sending reassuring messages and taking simple steps such as ensuring a good night’s sleep and eating breakfast. If a student has anxieties about testing, the district can provide advisement or counseling support, as well as possibly looking for more conducive ways to complete the assessment.
Learning Standards
Shenendehowa’s curriculum is based on the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards. These standards are
designed to ensure all students have an academically rigorous learning experience. For more information
see: http://www.nysed.gov/next-generation-learning-standards
Professional Development
Professional development at Shen is focused on inquiry based student engagement. Professional Development Plan.
