The Science curriculum is taught using hands-on experiences. Curricula for the individual grade levels are discussed below. Details, such as books studied, projects planned, are provided at the Fales Open House curriculum nights. Respect for diversity Importance of self-esteem Equal opportunity to learn To promote these values while fostering high student achievement, heterogeneous grouping prevails in all subject areas and grade levels at Fales. In short, students of all abilities learn together in self-contained classrooms.
Staff development provides methods for teachers to ensure the success of heterogeneity.
Major emphasis is placed on the Whole Language approach, individual learning styles, cooperative learning, and thematic units. Cooperative Learning Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy often used to enhance a specific classroom topic. In cooperative learning, students are placed in small groups where the group learning assumes central importance and students are responsible not only for their own learning but also for the learning of others. The strategy allows students to increase academic achievement while learning pro-social behaviors. Cooperative groups vary in size, duration, and composition depending upon the goals of the lesson.