The curriculum at I CAN SCHOOLS consists of 120 minutes of daily instruction in Reading and Mathematics and at least 60 minutes of Writing and Social Sciences. Our research-based program is aligned to state standards and is enhanced through a set of common instructional strategies that promote oral reading fluency, vocabulary, effective questioning, and reading comprehension across all content areas. Expected vocabulary, lesson objectives, and homework is communicated to families via a syllabi that is sent home on a weekly basis in all five content areas.
Assessments & Exams
In addition to rigorous, common instructional strategies, I CAN SCHOOLS implements a strong assessment program. Monthly, teacher-designed progress monitoring assessments are administered in all five subjects. These assessments are aligned to the state specific content standards and are used to monitor student achievement, differentiate instruction, and to adjust the curriculum to better meet the needs of the students. In addition to these monthly assessments, all content area teachers create, design and administer a comprehensive exam at the end of each trimester. These assessments are content-specific and align to the state content standards. The goal of I CAN SCHOOLS' Comprehensive Exams (COMPS) is to mimic college mid-terms and finals and to encourage students to study for the state’s standards. Students, who identified through our assessment system, who are below proficiency in Reading and/or Mathematics receive an additional 60 minutes of daily, remedial instruction in both content areas; thus, totaling 120 minutes of instruction in these two content areas.
I CAN SCHOOLS administers two, high-stakes assessments. The Stanford 10 or NWEA, a national norm - referenced assessment is given at the end of each school year. The state’s standardized test is administered in either the Fall or Spring. Teachers help students prepare for this assessment by strategically designing lesson plans, assessments, class activities/projects, as well as, nightly homework that reinforces the state’s content standards.
Fine Arts Programs
I CAN SCHOOLS Fine Arts program offers electives such as Choir, Percussion, Keyboarding / Composition (piano), Chess, Art, Newspaper, and Boy Scouts of America, and Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. Each program will be school specific and ‘owned’ by the teachers and students. Students in the Fine Arts program may perform, showcase, and compete at local and national events.