Instruction

Direct Instruction

Our primary mode of instruction at Ethos Academy is direct instruction.  Using direct instruction, teachers will discuss daily learning objectives, give an overview of the lesson, present new information in engaging ways, model the skills being developed, lead guided practice, and reinforce skills through independent practice.

Cooperative Learning

In order to balance direct instruction in our classrooms, students will be given regular opportunities to engage in cooperative learning structures.  These are highly organized small group or partner activities are designed to reinforce new or review already learned concepts or skills.  Research supports that students’ learning retention rates are highest when they are working in collaboration with one another.  Research shows that when students work together, they develop skills in the following areas: critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation/creativity using technology, teamwork, communication, leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution and more.

Experiential Learning

Ethos Academy intends to provide well-planned and purposeful extensions to traditional classroom instruction through experiential learning opportunities. Teachers will plan and include at least one hands-on, student-directed experiential learning activity within each unique unit of study; empowering students to use new concepts learned in their classroom and practically applying them to task-oriented activities (e.g. conducting experiments, building projects, performing jobs, collecting data, engaging community members, participating in field trips, etc.).

Response to Intervention (RTI)