Curriculum and Instructional Methods


Reading/Language Arts…
In 1996 the Hilliard City School District began teaching reading/language arts based on a collaborative model at the elementary level. The instructional framework of the collaborative design allows students to learn literacy skills during authentic reading and writing experiences which include teachers reading aloud to students, shared reading between the teacher and the student, guided reading, independent reading, shared writing, interactive writing, and independent writing. Teachers work with flexible student groups depending on instructional needs. Formal and informal assessment measures are used to monitor student progress and to guide instruction. Reading is taught using a variety of resources including authentic pieces of literature, instead of a traditional reading/language arts textbook. The faculty is involved in on-going professional development courses and instruction at both the building and district level.

Mathematics…
At the elementary level Hilliard City Schools currently use the Everyday Math program. The curriculum is a K-6 researched-based program developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. Hilliard adopted this curriculum and began implementation in 2000, and finished the implementation process in the fall of 2002.

Everyday Math is based on two principles:

  • Students acquire knowledge and skills, and develop an understanding of mathematics from their own experience.
  • Children should build on their intuitive and concrete foundation and gradually gain an understanding of the abstract and symbolic.
    Everyday Math builds on fundamental strands such as those found in Ohio's K-12 Mathematics Content Standards.

The instructional model blends exposition and discussion, individual and group work, projects, explorations, and investigations in attempt to make mathematical thinking as natural as language. For more information about the development of Everyday Math please visit the University of Chicago web site . Type "Everyday Math" in the search box once you have entered the site.