Irving is a quality school in action. Incorporating the work of Glasser and Covey has clearly had an effect on the excellent climate of the school. Curriculum is driven by carefully developed grade level benchmarks and standards. A curriculum cycle is in place and the Educational Program Review Model includes broad based input, development of vision, current program assessment, definition of standards and assessment, implementation, and staff development plans, selection of effective teaching and learning activities all done within the framework of high expectation for students. During 1998-2000 a comprehensive language arts program will be the area of intense work.
Strong assessment measures direct each child's learning.
Several alternative programs are available in the core areas to afford staff the flexibility to match students to the appropriate curriculum. Students have the benefit of outside resources, special assemblies, use of in-class technology resources, field trips and many material resources. Flexible grouping and accommodation groups work effectively throughout the school and provide students the opportunity to accelerate their learning as they work in small groups. Character development is a core area of instruction and many leadership and community service opportunities are provided for students. One of these programs is the Word of the Week which identifies key character traits.