Elementary School

CURRICULUM

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Elementary offers curricula under the Indiana Department of Education Proficiency Standards with emphasis on linguistic and cognitive skills with real world applications. Elementary at ISD comprises the Kindergarten through fifth grades. American Sign Language (ASL) is the language of instruction. The curricula encompass American Sign Language, language arts (ESL and Literacy), mathematics, science, social studies, arts, physical education, computer lab, drama, communication, and social skills.

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The major goal of the Elementary Program is to provide linguistic, social, and intellectual experiences to enable the students to develop literacy in two languages - ASL and English. Culturally, the students are offered experiences that will enhance the acquisition of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of both Deaf and Hearing communities. Caring adults who are licensed teachers provide these bilingual, bicultural experiences that support each child's self-esteem and pride in family, community, ethnic, and linguistic heritage. We view ourselves as members of a world community with a variety of values and traditions. We feel that educational opportunities to learn about and value other cultures and traditions are important to understanding and respecting of one's own individual culture and traditions.

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ISD currently uses Bilingual Grammar Curriculum, Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading, Zaner-Bloser Grammar, Fountas-Pinnell Classroom, Fry Sight Words, and Reading Milestones for the reading and writing program in Grades Kindergarten through 5th grade.

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All students in kindergarten through grade 2 are screened for dyslexia using the Indiana Department of Education-approved tool, Acadience Reading K-6. Screening results help guide early interventions to support student reading development. Families will be notified of results, and any recommended follow-up assessments. 

In compliance with Indiana Senate Bill 442, Indiana School for the Deaf partners with LifeSmart Youth to provide medically accurate and age-appropriate lessons on sexual health education. Parents and guardians are provided full transparency regarding this instruction. All curriculum descriptions, surveys, and required videos are available for review via the link below. Parents and guardians may also access opt-out forms and information about their rights to review instructional materials before student participation. Click here to learn more.​

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PROGRAM STRUCTURE

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Each day, students in grades K-5 take part in at least 90 minutes of uninterrupted Bilingual Language Arts (BLA) instruction. During this time, the focus is on building strong reading and grammar skills. Our program uses a Structured Literacy approach and includes strategies from Keys to Literacy to support student learning. To support students to develop reading skills, ISD use Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading as an approach that supports learning in place of traditional phonics instruction. We also keep track of student progress using two tools: Fry Sight Word assessments and A-Z Reading Level benchmarks.

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Students in elementary school spend dedicated time each day learning in core subject areas, including Math, English, Social Studies, and Writing. All students in grades K–5 receive 60 minutes of daily math instruction. Students who need additional support are provided with an extra 20 minutes of math intervention each day. Students also participate in a 45-minute “specials class" each day. These special classes include ASL/Deaf Studies, Physical Education (PE)/Health, and Art, giving students the opportunity to explore a variety of interests and skills outside of core academics.

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Deaf Studies is the study of Deaf culture. American Sign Language (ASL) and the usage of ASL. Students in the Deaf studies course learn the history and origins of American Sign Language. They also learn about Deaf history and culture. Lastly, students are given the chance to present in ASL to develop and refine their presentation skills.

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Physical Education (PE) and Health: the program follows the presidential physical fitness standards.

Art: Students study a wide array of mediums and work on projects to facilitate creative growth.

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TYPE OF ASSESSMENTS

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Indiana Alternate Measure (IAM)

The Indiana Alternate Measure (IAM) is a state assessment used to measure student learning in English/Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, and Social Studies. It is given to students in grades 3–8 and high school (grade 10 for ELA and Math). Science is assessed in grades 4, 6, and high school Biology, and Social Studies is assessed in grade 5. IAM is designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities who need an alternative to traditional statewide testing. It is based on Indiana’s alternate academic standards (called Content Connectors) and provides a more appropriate way to measure student progress and growth.

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World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)

WIDA is an English language proficiency assessment put in place to meet Indiana’s standards for college and career-readiness. This assessment measures English language skills.

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NWEA- Measure of Progress (MAP)

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) are for students in grades K-12. These assessments have been designed to measure academic growth, establish curriculum, predict proficiency on tests, etc.

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Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD-3)

IREAD-3 is a state assessment that measures foundational reading skills, including phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, based on Indiana Academic Standards. Students begin taking IREAD-3 assessment in grade 2 and continue each year until they pass, till grade 6. The goal of IREAD-3 is to ensure students are able to read proficiently by the end of third grade. Students who do not pass may receive additional reading support and will have opportunities to retake the assessment. In some cases, students who do not pass by the end of grade 3 may be required to repeat the grade, based on state guidelines. 

Indiana’s Learning Evaluation and Assessment Readiness Network (ILEARN) 

ILEARN is an assessment system that measures achievement and growth related to Indiana Academic Standards for students in grades three through eight, high school biology, and high school U.S. Government.  The assessment system includes:

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• A through year assessment for grades 3-8 mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA) with 3 Checkpoints and one end-of-year summative assessment.

• An end-of-year summative assessment for grades 4 and 6 science, grade 5 social studies, high school Biology, and high school U.S. Government.

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Data from the ILEARN Checkpoints informs instruction and interventions on the Indiana Academic Standards, supporting student learning throughout the course of the school year. Data from ILEARN end-of-year (summative) assessments is used to check students’ mastery of the standards at the end of the year, to evaluate program efficacy, and for school accountability.

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GRADING SCALE FOR GRADES K-5

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5= APPLIED

4= DEMONSTRATED

3= DEVELOPING

2= EMERGING

1= INTRODUCED

NT= NOT YET TAUGHT

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