Academic Components

Sep 1, 2005 4:34 PM

Voyager Passport

Voyager Universal Literacy System curriculum explicitly and systematically teaches the five components of reading instruction as outlined in No Child Left Behind. These components include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Voyager Passport provides systematic instruction of each of the five components and is designed for an intervention program for students in which the core reading program is not sufficient. Passport is base on scientific knowledge of the latest strategies for teaching reading. As an intervention program, Voyager Passport emphasizes important key objectives for students who need additional reinforcement.

Voyager Passport integrates with other reading programs currently used in New York City . An important component of this program uniquely suited to the methodologies and format Young People's Academy intends to use is small group instruction. This will allow teachers to address the different needs each student brings to the class and help focus on specific skills necessary to improve literacy in the key areas. Voyager Passport provides a procedure for continual monitoring and assessment of student progress that teachers can use to plan for instruction and also adapt for reports to parents.

Everyday Mathematics

Everyday Mathematics is a research-based curriculum developed by the University of Chicago . Using this program students acquire knowledge and skill and develop an understanding of mathematics from their own experiences. The curriculum was developed one grade at a time and carefully maps a sequence of instruction that interweaves concepts from each of their content strands throughout the curriculum. The program provides frequent opportunities to review and practice skills. Once a concept is presented, it will be revisited a number of times to support student understanding.

Young People's Academy , in collaboration with the regular day school, will help to support a seamless day of instruction. Teachers will be using those components of Everyday Mathematics that will support the regular day school instruction. Tutor will be supplied with Everyday Mathematics Manipulative Kits as well as their Game Kits for additional student support. This math program offer a variety of student monitoring and assessment strategies for teacher such as written work, student portfolios, running records, checklists and unit assessments.

Where Will “Young People's Academy” Be Located?

All of our tutoring sites will be located in your child's school or a neighboring community school. Our teachers will greet the children at the end of the regular instructional day where they will be given a nutritious snack before our teaching sessions begin. Each Young People's Academy site will have a coordinator to provide a safe and orderly environment.

How Do We Involve Parents and Caregivers?

• You are invited to be an active partner in designing your child's educational plan.
• Our tutors will regularly let you know how your child is doing both in person and with written reports.
• Building on the success of our internationally recognized Dial-A-Teacher program, we will offer workshops that will help you to become a real partner in your child's education.
• Our parent workshop leaders will provide outstanding assistance and guidance to our parents. They know how to describe the reading and math programs in a way that's clear and easy to understand so you'll know exactly what your child is expected to know and do. Our parent workshops leaders will give you the knowledge and information you'll need when you meet with teachers and tutors to discuss your child's progress.
• We will show you useful and effective ways you can help your children at home.
• We involve our parent in a way that respects their important role in a child's success!