Welcome Back
Online learning recommenced across the district on Monday, Jan. 4. Visit PV Assist for online resources.
7690 E. Williams Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: (602) 449-6700
Fax: 602-449-6705
Principal: Dr. Aaron Freed
The "Core Knowledge" movement is an educational reform based on the premise that a grade-by-grade core of common learning is necessary to ensure a sound and fair elementary education. The movement was started by Professor E. D. Hirsch, Jr., author of Cultural Literacy and The Schools We Need, and is based on a large body of research in cognitive psychology, as well as a careful examination of several of the world's fairest and most effective school systems. Professor Hirsch has argued that, for the sake of academic excellence, greater fairness and higher literacy, early schooling should provide a solid, specific, shared core curriculum in order to help children establish strong foundations of knowledge. Currently, hundreds of schools and thousands of dedicated educators are participating in this school reform movement throughout the United States.
The Core Knowledge© Sequence represents the common ground upon which a faculty meets and collaborates to teach a sequenced, coherent curriculum. In this cumulative curriculum, the knowledge and skills learned each year become the students' foundation for learning in subsequent years. To learn more about the core knowledge curriculum, please visit Core Knowledge's website.
Find out more about our Grade 1-6 curriculum.
Classic education - rich and compelling subject matter
Knowledge that spirals from grade to grade
Standards-based with specific guidelines
Cross-curricular connections (interdisciplinary)
Sustained, sequential learning
Natural extension of STEM by integrating design and art
Nurtures curiosity, creativity and critical thinking
Real world concepts and hands-on challenges
Applied knowledge to develop viable solutions
PBL and STEAM Education: A Natural Fit by Andrew Miller
Pivot Point: At the Crossroads of STEM, STEAM, and Arts Innovation by Susan Riley
Framework to organize and present curriculum content
Innovative and proven instructional approach
Instills a "culture of thinking"
Requires students to understand relevance of what they are learning and apply in problem-solving situations
Inquiry-based learning
It's a Project Based World. Here is a guide to getting started with projects today.
Gold Standard PBL: Essential Project Design Elements by John Larmer
Main Course Not Dessert by BIE
A video entitled: Middle School School Engages With Problem-Solving Challenges