English Language Arts
Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) used in elementary Language Arts classes:
Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) is a comprehensive K-5 language arts curriculum that integrates foundational reading skills with rich content knowledge building. It is designed to teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while also developing students’ knowledge and vocabulary in literature, history, geography, and science.
Key features of CKLA in elementary Language Arts include:
- Dual strands for K-3: The Listening & Learning strand focuses on exposure to rich read-alouds and discussions to build knowledge and vocabulary. The Skills strand focuses on explicit and systematic instruction of phonics, decoding, and writing skills.
- For grades 4 and 5, CKLA shifts to a combined language arts block that emphasizes fluent reading, comprehension, and writing using content-rich texts.
- The curriculum uses carefully sequenced texts and domains that build knowledge coherently over years, covering diverse topics such as American history, science themes, and classic literature.
- CKLA provides multisensory, explicit phonics instruction grounded in the Science of Reading, with decodable readers in K-2 and complex texts in upper elementary grades.
- The program emphasizes vocabulary acquisition, comprehension skills through interactive discussions, and writing activities that extend understanding of texts.
- There are various supportive materials for teachers including lesson plans, read-aloud anthologies, assessments, image cards, flip books, and digital components.
- CKLA supports equitable access to challenging texts, enabling students to build broad content knowledge and reading skills that prepare them for academic success.
In short, CKLA offers a research-based, rigorous, and engaging literacy curriculum that connects reading skills to meaningful knowledge in multiple content areas, helping students become proficient readers and confident learners.
Mathematics
Acmetonia Elementary School utilizes the Eureka Math program for mathematics instruction. Eureka Math is a rigorous program that promotes deep and creative thinking among students. Specifically in primary grades, Eureka challenges students to manipulate and work with numbers on a much deeper level than before, and this is really challenging for students.
Click here for additional information on Eureka Math
Science
The Pennsylvania STEELS Standards (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability) guide K-12 science education statewide beginning with the 2025-26 school year. These standards:
- Shift instruction from memorization of facts to active scientific discourse, inquiry, and authentic exploration.
- Encourage hands-on problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world applications.
- Emphasize scientific reasoning even for young learners, highlighting their capacity for sophisticated investigation.
- Integrate environmental literacy and sustainability concepts at all grade levels.
School Handbook Guidance for Elementary Science
A school handbook addressing elementary science instruction with STEELS Standards would feature:
Curriculum Design Principles
- Curriculum is focused on big ideas and essential questions (e.g., How does matter change? What are the interactions in ecosystems?).
- Units are designed for inquiry-based learning, moving away from textbook-dependent instruction toward integrated, purpose-driven explorations.
- Content is mapped by marking periods/unit topics, such as:
- The Nature of Science
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Energy in Ecosystems
- Earth’s Systems & Features
- Earth and Space Patterns
- Stars and Planets