Instruction

"An essential act of our profession is the design of ... learning experiences to meet specified purposes"

~Wiggins and McTighe, Understanding by Design (2005)

The TCSD instructional framework is a structure for sound daily instruction to deliberately support learner success.  The framework provides TCSD with a common language and model for instructional practice.

Kindergarten Half Day:

Writing/Handwriting- 20 minutes
Phonological Awareness- 10-15 minutes
Phonics- 20 minutes
Fluency- 5 minutes
Vocabulary- 5-10 minutes
Comprehension- 20 minutes

Kindergarten Full Day:

Writing/Handwriting- 30 minutes
Phonological Awareness- 10-15 minutes
Phonics- 30 minutes
Fluency- 10 minutes
Vocabulary- 5-10 minutes
Comprehension- 30 minutes

First Grade:

Writing/Handwriting- 30 minutes
Phonological Awareness- 5-10 minutes
Phonics- 30 minutes
Fluency- 10-15 minutes
Vocabulary- 10 minutes
Comprehension- 30 minutes

2nd-3rd Grade:

Writing/Handwriting- 30 minutes
Phonological Awareness- 5 minutes
Phonics- 30 minutes
Fluency- 15 minutes
Vocabulary- 15 minutes
Comprehension- 30 minutes

4th-6th Grade:

Writing/Handwriting- 30 minutes
Phonological Awareness- As needed
Phonics- 20 minutes
Fluency- 15 minutes
Vocabulary- 15 minutes
Comprehension- 40 minutes

Math Placement for Ninth-Grade Students

Students entering ninth grade are placed into Secondary Math I, which is the state-recommended foundational math course for ninth-grade students.  

Students may request to be placed into Secondary Math II if:

• Evidence is provided that they have satisfactorily completed a Secondary Math I course which is aligned to USBE’s Secondary Math I core standards.  

  • Evidence may include but is not limited to results from a comprehensive final assessment aligned to Secondary Math I standards or 

  • Documentation of successful completion of a Secondary Math I course that has been verified by the district to be aligned to state standards. 

• Students who have not taken a formal Secondary Math I course can be placed into a Secondary Math II course upon successful completion of the approved Secondary Math I competency assessment.

Credit begins to generate when a student enters ninth grade.  Students who complete Secondary Math I before their ninth-grade year are required to earn three math credits in high school that should include Secondary Math II, Secondary Math III, and an additional approved math course.  As per R277-700-6(9) students who complete calculus with a C or better will fulfill all of their math requirements.  It is highly recommended that students enroll in a math course every year to maintain their mathematical knowledge and skills.  Although it is not needed to be on track for graduation, for students contemplating graduating early, credit for Secondary Math I can be earned in the summer prior to their ninth-grade year by taking the approved Secondary Math I competency assessment arranged through the counseling department to be given by the district.  

Science of Learning

High Leverage Practices