Academic Achievement and Programs
Laurelhurst’s mission is to help all children reach their potential. There is a rigorous, multifaceted curriculum that encourages students to not only master basic skills, but also develop critical thinking strategies, pose questions and search for answers. Laurelhurst has been certified as an Advanced Learning Opportunity School. The teachers at Laurelhurst work together in collaborative teams in support of school wide goals. This cohesive unity provides focused energy that drives implementation of best instructional practices resulting in improved student performance. Teachers work together with consultants and peers to plan instruction based on feedback from student work and assessments. Staff development extends beyond workshops to coaching, observations and demonstrations of best practices.
Every year we assess our students with state-mandated tests. Reading skills are assessed in the second grade using the DRA (Direct Reading Assessment). Student academic achievement is measured by the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) in grades three (reading and math), in grades four (reading, math, and writing) and in grades five (reading, math, and science). The 2005-06 DRA and WASL results for Laurelhurst students meeting state standards are listed below:
Second Grade:
Spring 2006 DRA Reading – 95.6%Third Grade:
Spring 2006 WASL Reading – 92.8%: WASL Math – 89.9%Fourth Grade:
Spring 2006 WASL Reading -98.6%; WASL Math - 75.4%; WASL Writing – 73.9%Fifth Grade:
Spring 2006 WASL Reading – 100%; WASL Math – 90.0%; WASL Science – 60.4%
Academic Assessment and Student Progress Reports
The teachers use a variety of measurements to monitor student academic progress. To create a holistic picture of student’s academic abilities, teachers gather portfolios of daily work, written assignments that require students to explain their thinking, reading, math and writing assessments and rigorous state-wide standards tests. The staff uses these measurements to adapt the curriculum and ensure academic growth.
The Seattle School District has developed specific and detailed academic standards for all grades. Three times a year, student academic growth is reported by a standards based student progress report. School-wide parent conferences are held in the fall. Teachers and specialists are also available for individual conferences throughout the school year in order to promote academic success for each child.
Reading Program
Laurelhurst has a very comprehensive reading program that ensures all students not only learn how to read but also comprehend what they are reading. This year the entire school is working on developing two critical comprehension strategies – “Opinion and Proof” and “Main Idea”. Teachers use a variety of reading materials and teaching strategies to ensure students develop these skills.
Junior Great Books
This reading program uses a unique, open-ended discussion method called “Shared Inquiry” coupled with outstanding literature to help students read for meaning and develop critical thinking skills. This program, originally designed for gifted students, has been successfully implemented for all students at Laurelhurst.Reading Support
Being able to read is one of the most important skills a child needs in order to be successful in school. Young students (first and second graders) who fall behind their peers in this critical skill will also fall behind in almost all other academic areas as they move to third then fourth then fifth grade. Intervention at an early age has proven to be very successful.Laurelhurst has several programs for students who need help toward being able to read at grade level.
Sound Partners Tutoring
Sound Partners is a one-to-one tutoring program, which emphasizes phonics and decoding skills. Students in grades K-2 may qualify to receive this type of instruction. Sound Partners Instruction is offered throughout the school day by specially trained tutors.LAP (Learning Assistance Program)
LAP is small group reading instruction for grades 1-5, provided by our Reading Specialist. This program teaches reading skills through guided reading, writing in response to reading, word work, and test preparation. Children work on materials that are similar to those used for classroom instruction. The LAP Program and the Sound Partners Program are complementary to each other.
Storypath
Storypath provides a multi-faceted approach toward social studies instruction. It immerses students in a simulated real life story. The story structure enables students to become active participants in a problem-based situation resulting in deep involvement and creative exploration of social studies concepts. Critical thinking skills are developed as students are given opportunities to make decisions and inferences, draw conclusions, and summarize key issues.
Writing Program
Laurelhurst focuses on the new state standards in writing, specifically targeting forms of writing that are difficult for students. Teachers provide instruction and practice in expository forms of writing integrated meaningfully into units of study. In science, for example, students write in their notebook to record observations, make hypotheses, support hypotheses with data and evidence, draw conclusions, compare and contrast, etc. Students are expected to clearly and concisely explain their thinking in writing on a variety of topics.
Mathematical Thinking and Problem Solving
Laurelhurst has a very comprehensive math program that helps students master the basics and develop excellent problem solving skills. Students learn to construct math concepts through a variety of hands-on experiences. These experiences give the students a strong foundation for developing critical problem solving skills and strategies. Students become not only fine mathematicians, but also excellent communicators. They are expected to be able to explain the logic behind how they have solved a problem. Classroom teachers use TERC Investigations and other supplemental mathematical curriculum.
Math Enrichment and Support Specialist:
The math specialist works with students in grades 1 - 5 - individualizing instruction in the classrooms and working with smaller groups. Instruction focuses on the development of powerful mathematical thinking and conceptual understanding through discussion, games, and activities that are tailored to each child's developmental level. Powerful mathematical discussions and challenging games help children discover the joy of mathematics. A special feature of this program is our monthly Family Math Night, where students and families play math games.
Challenge Program – Advanced Learning Opportunities
The Challenge Program for Advanced Learners is designed to meet the needs of the school’s highly capable students. The Challenge Program consists of a part-time teacher funded by the PTA. It began in the 2003-2004 school year and continues to grow each year. The goal of the program is to nurture and inspire students performing above grade level standards through rigorous and engaging activities while balancing the needs of the individual students with the needs of the classroom and school communities. Students are selected for participation based on district advanced learning eligibility, teacher recommendation and classroom assessments.
Library and Computer Lab
The Library and Computer lab teachers collaborate to create a strong technology and resource program for grades K-5. Students use technology in the Computer Lab and Library throughout the school year to enhance and build upon curricula already in place in the classroom. The Lab has two digital cameras, two digital video cameras, two scanners and a wide variety of software to enhance curricula. All classes are scheduled for both the Library Class and the Computer Lab at least once a week. Teachers often schedule additional times so that students can do special independent or class projects using technology.
Hands-On Inquiry Science
Laurelhurst is creating a new generation of budding scientists. A hands-on science program developed by the National Science Foundation has been implemented very successfully. The curriculum helps students develop sophisticated scientific inquiry skills used by scientists:
Physical Education
The focus of our P.E. program is to teach children the importance of being physically fit and how to incorporate this into their daily life. The program is fun, active, and skill-oriented. Along with the regular program, Laurelhurst offers High Level Skill Performance Teams for juggling, rope skipping, in-line skating, and unicycling. Practices for these teams are during lunch recess. Kindergartners go to P.E. once a week. Grades 1-5 go to P.E. twice a week.
Anti-Bullying Program
Children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and cared for. In its continuing effort to create a safe and positive learning environment, the school has launched an anti-bullying prevention program. In K-2 grades, the Second Step curriculum targets positive social skills that will prevent bullying in later years. Grades 3-5 teach Steps to Respect, a curriculum that focuses on promoting responsible, respectful student behavior.
Special Education Resource Room
Laurelhurst has a strong special education program that is designed to assist children who are struggling at school. The Resource Room is a small-group setting that delivers intensive interventions and specially designed instruction during scheduled blocks of time throughout the day. When more intensive teaching strategies are needed, children are referred for a special education evaluation. Eligibility is determined in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Once a child qualifies for special education, the parents meet with the Resource Room teacher to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to set goals and objectives that will help the child reach grade level expectations. The IEP outlines programs, methods, and techniques to be used towards improving overall school performance. Each IEP is unique to the student and area of need. Areas of specially designed instruction may include some or all of the following categories: reading, written expression, math, and social skills. A child may qualify for special education services as Learning Disabled, Health Impaired, Developmentally Delayed, Autism, or Behavioral Disability. The Resource Room program provides small group instruction for students based on their unique strengths and weaknesses. Resource Room staff work closely with classroom and other support staff to ensure that the students receive appropriate instruction and accommodations.
Multi-Arts
The arts are alive at Laurelhurst Elementary! The school’s extensive multi-arts program is possible because of the financial support from the Laurelhurst PTA.
Visual Art
The school is filled with colorful evidence of our visual arts program in action. Our Artist-in-Residence program provides opportunities for students to work with artists and storytellers as we integrate art with the classroom curriculum.Music Education
The school is fortunate to have a UW Ph.D. candidate bringing music curriculum to students in grades K–5. The program includes listening, singing, expressive speaking, moving and playing instruments to help students learn and understand the elements of music beginning with rhythm. Every class has vocal music one time a week.Instrumental Music
Elementary Instrumental Music is offered to students in grades four and five. Classes meet once a week during the regular school day. This program is supported in part by our PTA and parent voluntary contributions. Scholarships are also available.Assemblies
The PTA sponsors 2-3 assemblies each year to provide students with additional exposure to the arts and sciences. Past assemblies have included groups from Northwest Folklife Festival, Seattle Symphony, Bochinche, and 5th Avenue Theater. Parents are encouraged to attend these entertaining and educational performances.