World Class Academics

 

GVA’s model of Global Literacy in response to our core values is outlined with our Mission Statement and is built on the following five key educational components:

Continuous assessments in core subjects with individual student goal setting each quarter. Systematic instruction of higher ordered thinking patterns using explicit LI and L2 language forms and functions. Standards Based, Integrated Thematic Units focused on social studies and science. Algebra required for all students. Student “Passports” that contain a specific body of evidence demonstrating proficiency in Literacy L1 and L2, Deduction (Math); Induction (Scientific Methods), Arts, Public Speaking, Information Literacy, and Intercultural Exchanges (linguistic, economic, artistic, interpersonal, etc.). enVision Math and engageNY. Voices Literacy Curriculum used across the curriculum for writing, reading, and character education.

 

All students learn to read, write, and speak a second language to the Intermediate High Level. ELL students build on the inherent advantage they have as bi-lingual students, through additive bilingualism by using fluency and literacy in Spanish, Mandarin and French to support academic performance in English.

 

A school-wide focus on developing cultural intelligence for building functional interpersonal attachments and negotiating cultural boundaries. Across the curriculum use of Voices themes: Personal Identity, Perspective Taking, Conflict Resolution, Social Awareness, Friendship and Love, Democracy and Citizenship. Monthly International Assemblies focused on different countries (Story telling, intercultural arts, etc.). All students participate in intercultural arts and community service. Cultural Intelligence: “Peace Table” process used to address student, teacher, and parent conflicts. Students, parents, and teachers develop learning communities that build on strengths of cultural differences and similarities.

Students, parents and teachers use technology to facilitate learning and intercultural exchanges across regional and international boundaries. School library includes substantive collections of multi-lingual texts and 21st century technology tools.

 

Local, regional, national, and international studies aimed at developing global perspective and linguistic, artistic, and cultural exchanges. Teacher and student exchange programs. School operates a “Market Place” w/foreign language materials and import items. Students culminate their studies at Global Village Academy by participating in an 8th grade international trip.

 

GVA is class-room based with a maximum of 28 students per class with lead teachers in English teaching reading and writing and thematic units and immersion teachers in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, Russian and teaching language and content in the world language (e.g., mathematics and thematic units) using full or partial immersion. In Kindergarten immersion is 100% and 80% in 1st and 2nd grade. Third grade and up is 50%. In 1st and 2nd grade, students have a 90 minute reading block with a reading teacher. This is essential to begin building literacy in English to prepare for TCAP testing in 3rd grade. It is also necessary to facilitate transition to a traditional school.