The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are used as the base of our curriculum; however, the curriculum is integrated with the student’s interest through projects.  The following are concepts that describe how this approach to learning may be different from a more traditional approach:

• Children are seen as capable, competent, curious and creative individuals.
• Movement, interdependence and interaction are viewed as part of the learning process
• Children need many opportunities for hands-on, multi-sensory experiences and active exploration.
• Opportunities for discussion with other children and adults are essential for children to construct and reconstruct ideas for themselves.
• Children learn best by doing and talking and through construction of information.
• Cognitive development is seen as a process of ongoing adaptation to the environment.
• Teachers carefully prepare the environment to stimulate curiosity, exploration, inquiry and self-learning.
• Students construct and demonstrate their knowledge through the variety of materials and media.
• The curriculum is integrated carefully with open-ended projects of inquiry.
• Teachers serve as facilitators, co-learners, researchers and risk takers.
• Cooperation in the learning process is a key element.

Since learning is an ongoing, flexible, open-ended process, Bay Area Charter Elementary School does not administer letter or numerical grades.  Student’s work is collected and documented in portfolios.  A checklist of objectives and the contents of the portfolio are discussed with parents during conferences two times per school year.

Families are valued partners in the learning process and are encouraged to participate in their child’s educational experience at Bay Area Charter Elementary School through active involvement.