Curriculum
Shabazz Public School Academy is committed to providing its students with a curriculum that will position them to become active and contributing citizens of society. Hence, the curriculum measures focus on building and acquiring a firm foundation in the basic skills of reading, writing, computation, technology, speaking , foreign language, social studies, and civic participation.
All instruction and content assignments are aligned to the Michigan Framework and Michigan K-8 Grade Level Content Expectations which can be found at www.michigan.gov/meap.These Michigan Department of Education documents serve as the essential instructional guide points to Shabazz Public School Academy staff and students.
Students are frequently assessed so that their academic progress is accurately measured and so that teachers may target their instruction to compliment the academic needs of their students. The major assessment batteries are the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) for students in K-2 and Ed Vision for 3-6 grade students. ITBS is given twice a year while Ed Vision is administered three times a year. Additional teacher-made tests along with standard reading and mathematics assessment instruments are used as well. All of these testing measures are used to monitor and adjust instruction so that it is relevant to the academic needs of individual students.
We realize that some students may need extra support in certain disciplines. Therefore, the school provides in-school pull-out tutoring services, after school tutoring, and Saturday tutoring. The chief aim of these activities is to give low achieving students the academic support that they will need in order to reach grade level.
Shabazz Public School Academy augments its curriculum offerings with a rich slate of after school activities, i.e., soccer, basketball, foreign language club, African dance and drumming, choir, girls mentoring club, boys mentoring club, chess, drill team ,and girl and boy scout troops. These activities are designed to encourage students to learn how to play together, resolve problems amicably, and use their free time creatively.
Additionally, the school partners with Camp Highfields in carrying out a 21st century Grant activity (Reaching Higher). The Reaching Higher program has enabled the school to provide students additional tutoring activities, summer camping, enrichment opportunities, as well as out-of state field trips.
Finally, Shabazz Public School Academy embraces an Afrocentric approach to all of its curriculum initiatives and related activities. Hence, the experiences, culture, and contributions of people of African descent are at the core of all instruction and school activities.
Dr. Valarie Bellas
Curriculum Director
