ELa
Our curriculum gets students excited about learning through great books, compelling topics and ownership of their learning. While using a research-based and professionally developed curriculum, our teachers work hard to make interactive and engaging lessons for their unique group of students based off the curriculum map. Check out the Expeditionary Learning page to get a better understanding of the curriculum/topics each grade works with throughout the year!
Independent Reading Initiative
Research confirms that Independent Reading matters. Independent Reading is conducted using self-selected
texts that motivate individual readers and provide students with opportunities to practice reading to develop
skills and build standards-rich understanding at a variety of text levels. Continuing with our Independent Reading Initiative for the 2019-2020 school year, students will use school reading logs to document their reading throughout the year. The log will be used to document student reading both at home and at school. Incentives and celebrations will be incorporated for this initiative to support the work to build a strong literacy community. Students should be reading at home every day.
Social Studies
The Social Studies Team is using the NYCDOE K-8: Passport to Social Studies program. This is a comprehensive instructional resource that integrates the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) and the New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework to support strong social studies teaching and learning. It is designed to support The New York City K-8 Social Studies Scope & Sequence, each yearly course of study is organized around newly developed units of study, each guided by essential questions.
Mathematics
In grades K-8, we utilize Eureka Math. It is a complete Pre-K through 8 curriculum that carefully sequences the mathematical progressions into expertly crafted modules. Eureka Math was written by a team of teachers and mathematicians who took great care to present mathematics in a logical progression from grades pre-k through 8. The coherent approach allows teachers to know what incoming students already have learned and ensures that students are prepared for what comes next. When implemented faithfully, Eureka Math will dramatically reduce gaps in student learning, instill persistence in problem solving, and prepare students to understand advanced math. Our teachers give immediate feedback on assessments and in class activities with cloud-based grading systems and data analysis tools. PS 89 places a huge emphasis on all subjects and works hard to ensure that students are always challenged. For this reason, PS 89 offers Regents Math for qualifying 8th grade students.
Science
The Science Team utilizes Amplify Science, which blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. For the 2019 – 2020 school year, grades K – 3, 5, and 6 will be implementing Amplify Science while grades 4, 7, and 8 have curriculum units utilizing the Understanding By Design Framework aligned to the Common Core Standards and NYS Assessments. PS 89 offers students the opportunity to be in Regents Science class as well. The Science teachers at PS 89 meet regularly to plan engaging experiments, lessons, activities, and student showcases. Once a year, students create projects to compete in the science fair and display their learning to their peers!
Middle School Quality Initiative (MSQI)
The Middle School Quality Initiative (MSQI) supports schools in developing literacy in young adolescents, ultimately preparing them for success in high school and college. The MSQI team partners with school-based staff to increase the overall percentage of eighth grade students who graduate reading on or above their grade level. Click here to learn more: Middle School Quality Initiative (MSQI).