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Core Curriculum
The Siena School maintains high academic standards and learning expectations for all our students. We have chosen to follow the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum as the framework for our academic program, with an emphasis on individualized instruction. The Voluntary State Curriculum provides suggested guidelines for what students should know and be able to do at each grade in four content areas: reading/English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In reading, language arts and math, students are grouped by ability level rather than according to standard criteria of age and grade. Study skills and organization techniques are embedded throughout the curriculum areas.
Reading
Siena's reading classes offer explicit, systematic instruction in the five essential reading skills identified by the National Reading Panel: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Instruction is structured, sequential and cumulative, using a variety of proven methodologies such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading, Lindamood-Bell, and Phono-Graphix. Lessons are presented in multisensory formats, simultaneously engaging the student's auditory, visual and kinesthetic capabilities for optimal learning. Students learn spelling and vocabulary through reading lessons. All students are taught cursive and required to use it to strengthen and reinforce handwriting mechanics. In addition, computer-based assessment and individualized instruction assists students with reading and spelling.
English Language Arts
Language arts provides students with the opportunity to develop their language skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students read a variety of age-appropriate literature, exploring and examining a range of genres. Students are encouraged to read aloud within a safe and uncritical environment, increasing their confidence. Daily literature discussions develop oral expression skills and provide a foundation for higher level analysis and comprehension. Themes and other literary elements are also introduced. Students receive instruction in grammar through a multisensory program that uses visual cues and prompts to strengthen proper grammatical usage.
Writing instruction is integrated throughout Siena's curriculum and is emphasized in all subject areas. Siena uses a unique, multisensory writing process in which all staff members are trained. Students learn the writing process in the English language arts class, but are required to apply it in all subjects. Whether writing a math journal entry, a social studies short answer response, a science lab report, or a literature analysis, the students draw upon the writing process framework with support from all faculty members. Students develop their writing skills by composing in a variety of modes, beginning with basic sentences and paragraphs and extending to the composition of longer essays.
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Math
Siena's math program takes a truly multisensory approach to learning. Manipulatives are regularly used to promote hands-on learning and real life scenarios are utilized to enable the students to relate to what they learn. Students learn sequentially, building their knowledge on previously learned skills with continual review reinforcing and enhancing their understanding of mathematical concepts. The program distributes the instruction, practice and assessment of each concept throughout the entire course. This method ensures that students continue to review previously taught math concepts at the same time they are learning new content areas. Additional resources compliment the program, including the use of assistive technology and online learning.
Science
Siena uses an inquiry-based science curriculum developed by the National Science Resources Center with support from the Smithsonian Institute and The National Academies. The science program is founded on a four-stage learning cycle: focus, explore, reflect and apply. This inquiry process ensures students are consistently and actively engaged in their learning. Throughout the curriculum students learn about the scientific method, including how to access and process information from a variety of resources. Students develop their lab skills and techniques by formulating and developing hypotheses, designing and evaluating investigations and analyzing data. The ability to coherently communicate this information orally and in writing is emphasized. Critical thinking skills are continuously applied with students encouraged to ask questions and draw conclusions, and students become aware of science in everyday life. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum enhancing the learning experience.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum includes world history, U.S. history, and national, state and local government. Students frequently conduct research or inquiry-based assignments using primary and secondary sources such as the library and the Internet. Students then draw upon their research to read, write and discuss the concepts during a supported learning experience at Siena. The social studies classroom is a warm, nurturing learning environment where the room decor reflects the material being studied. Appropriate accommodations are utilized on an individual basis. These might include one-on-one work with the instructor; advance and graphic organizers; highlighting; color-coding and pre-reading. Assistive technology is also used where appropriate, including online or digital media, audio recordings and software programs.
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