K-4 Universal Design for Learning and Academics
At Skyline Schools, student success is our mission.
It is the mission of South Phoenix Prep & Arts Academy to provide each student and family with high-quality college and career-ready educational programs designed to stimulate life-long learning while developing character through academics, athletics, the arts, and leadership.
We offer two pathways for achieving student academics at our school. One is a traditional pathway helping students thrive in Math, Reading, and Writing.
The other is a hybrid pathway that utilizes standards-driven thematic units to engage students in learning based on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Our integrated curriculum sets the foundation for learning in all content areas while focusing on STEAM principles that awaken students’ curiosity about the world around them. Steam Academy Course Description Catalog
The Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards (ACCRS) were adopted in 2010 after extensive public comment and public meetings by the Arizona State Board of Education. Schools began implementing the standards during the 2013 school year. The ACCR Standards prepare Arizona students to become informed, productive members of their community by providing the academic knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in college or career.
These standards significantly raise the bar for our students and focus on critical-thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. However, when it comes to improving educational outcomes, there are no substitutes for quality curriculum, effective teachers, efficient administrative leadership, and engaged parents.
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Universal Design for Learning
Skyline Education promotes K-4 universal design for learning (UDL) at our South Phoenix, AZ, elementary school. UDL is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individual students equal opportunities to learn. UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone. This is not a single, one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a flexible approach that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports
Skyline Education offers rigor and relevance that supports differentiated instruction by increasing both knowledge and experience by providing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for students. MTSS is a term used to describe an evidence-based model of schooling that uses data-based problem-solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and intervention. The integrated instruction and intervention is delivered to students in varying intensities (multiple tiers) based on student need. “Need-driven” decision-making seeks to ensure that district resources reach the appropriate students at the appropriate levels to accelerate the performance of ALL students to achieve and/or exceed proficiency.
Advanced learning students also have options for acceleration, enrichment, or both. For example, Honors and AP courses are provided at individual schools. These factors combined with our K-4 universal design for learning creates an environment in which students excel throughout their endeavors in south Phoenix, AZ, and beyond.
Digital Learning Models
Skyline’s digital blended learning models support students to learn at school and at home. Best practices are shared across Skyline’s network of schools, schools outside our network, the Arizona State Charter Association, National Central Association Commission on Accreditation, and the US Department of Education.
College and Career Readiness Standards
The Skyline network of schools has adopted College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) that are aligned with both Arizona state and national standards and support our mission of providing high-quality education programs and services designed to stimulate life-long learning.
Skyline’s academic curriculum and school culture promote:
- A results-focused education with a clear end in mind that begins in Kindergarten and builds to mastery of the knowledge and skills that colleges and employers value
- Clear and consistent goals with an emphasis on real-world application of knowledge and skills
- Relevant content that increases the ability to effectively use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to communicate, collaborate, and adapt to new situations in either college or in the workplace
- A sound, rigorous, evidence-based preparation for success in college and/or career
Skyline utilizes a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to promote our culture of College and Career Readiness. Our K-4 universal design for learning and evidence-based practices are designed to support students’ academic and personal needs with varying levels of intervention to empower each student to achieve high standards.
