Curriculum and Instruction

BCSD curriculum adheres to state standards in all subjects, including the core areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. We also offer instruction in art, music, and physical education. For more information about state standards and assessments, please follow the links on this page.

If you have questions about any of our curriculum or assessments, please contact Jennifer Lott, our director of educational services.

Homework

BCSD schools leave the responsibility to extend learning into the home up to the parent. We are available for consultation and advice on appropriate ways to bridge school/home learning in meaningful ways. We believe that structured time set aside for education is imperative for growth and development, we also equally believe in the importance of play. Children learn through play, through using their imagination. Our no-homework policy allows our students to enjoy playtime outside of our school day, with family, friends, and within the community learning from a variety of environments.

Assessments

Assessments, both formal and informal, exist to gather information about student learning. Teachers use this information to inform their classroom teaching strategies and determine the need for targeted intervention. All elementary students participate in DIBELS testing three times a year to assess their reading and language growth. Students in grades two through eight take benchmark Galileo assessments for math, ELA, and science.

State Testing
All third through eighth-grade students in the state of Arizona take the Arizona Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) each spring to evaluate their proficiency in language arts and mathematics. Fifth and eighth-grade students also take the AzSCI test to evaluate their science proficiency. We distribute test results the year following the exams.

After-school Tutoring and Enrichment

Our schools operate four days per week, Monday through Thursday. Two (2) days per week, we extend programming to help struggling students catch up or participate in enrichment activities. Scheduled days are on the district calendar. No transportation is provided for after-school programs.

Gifted Education

Our gifted and talented education program (GATE) uses PBL Project curriculum to help identified students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building their emotional, social, and intellectual acuity. GATE students are referred by school staff, teachers, and parents. We test referred students and place them in the program according to state standards.

Title I Opportunities

Title I is a federal program that provides additional funding to local school districts to improve the academic achievement of their disadvantaged students. AT BCSD, we use Title 1 funds to purchase educational programs and materials, including tech devices; hire highly-qualified teachers and staff; and encourage parent involvement and education as they support their child(ren)’s educational growth.