READING
The core of the reading program is based on The Hill Center methodology consisting of phonemic awareness, word attack, fluency, and comprehension. This is an incrementally devised, Orton Gillingham-based program, which has been proven to be very effective with students who have been diagnosed with specific learning disabilities. Each student is pre-tested to determine the level of placement and the specific skill sets which will be taught. Various publishers and reading series are incorporated into the individualized programming for each student. Reading comprehension consists of, but is not limited to, fact-finding, sequencing, finding details, vocabulary acquisition and proper usage, drawing conclusions, inferencing, and analysis. Various novels and book reports are assigned throughout the year, as well as the Wordly Wise vocabulary series.
WRITTEN LANGUAGE
Our written language program includes, but is not limited to, spelling, composition, grammar, handwriting, proofreading, dictionary and thesaurus usage, research, and understanding viable technology usage. Spelling is based on The Hill Center methodology. Composition exercises include teaching the process of writing through brainstorming or pre-planning; developing graphic organizers; and mastering the various forms of writing including narratives, descriptive paragraphs, expository writing, and persuasive essays. These skills are incrementally designed and taught, beginning with the very basic sentence, paragraph formation, and finally, progressing to multi-paragraph essays. Teacher modeling is imperative as we walk each student through the different processes of mastering the written language. Various publishers and textbooks are utilized to maximize the learning process.
MATH
Math is taught on an individualized basis, using both Abeka and Saxon curricula. Each student moves at his own pace, keeping in mind that by 9th grade, he will be expected to enter into Algebra I, which is the first math course counted toward high school credits leading to a WCA diploma. Individualized teacher involvement assists with maximizing the potential for each student's mastery of the material. Learning the basic math facts is imperative, and timing is included in this instructional period. Each student is presented skill sets in an individualized, incrementally structured fashion. As these skill sets are mastered, they are reviewed often in order to solidify the mathematical foundation.
BIBLE / SCIENCE / SOCIAL STUDIES
These subjects are provided in a small group setting, with individualization included in reading assistance, test modifications, and multi-modality instruction. Textbooks include those adopted by the Academy, as well as supplemental materials chosen by the Enrichment Center staff.