Elementary Schools Text Version Directory
 
Instruction in the elementary schools (kindergarten through sixth grade) is rooted in the basic academic skills, which include reading, writing, spelling, language, handwriting, speaking and listening, and mathematics.
The foundation for these skills begins in kindergarten. Parents who experience kindergarten with their children for the first time since they were in elementary school years ago, learn quickly that expectancies today are much higher.
Standards Are Guides to Progress
Starting in kindergarten, each grade has learning standards in key content areas, including language arts, English language development (for ESL students), math, history/social studies, science, health/substance abuse prevention, the arts, physical education and computer technology.
Expectancies for student achievement are based on the California State Standards, Curriculum Frameworks and Glendale Schools Curriculum Guides. The district recognizes that students progress at different rates. Standards are provided as a guide to help parents serve as informed partners in learning.
In addition to the key content areas, elementary students are introduced to a variety of other subjects. Among them is career awareness, where students explore the types of jobs and professions

represented in their community.
In the upper elementary grades, they begin assessing their own academic and personal interests and laying the groundwork for middle school and senior high school.

Building Character and Self-Image
Important to students’ success in elementary school is developing a good moral character, ethics and a positive self-image. The goal is that children learn to take pride in themselves and their work, while being aware of others, including persons from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The district supports the philosophy that students who have high self-esteem are more likely to become productive citizens and resist temptations such as abusing alcohol and drugs.

Achieving Optimal Potential
Elementary school teaches much more than the "basic skills." In partnership with the family, teachers and support staff work hard to help students achieve at their optimal levels each day.
Students receive a "Student Achievement Report" three times each year. It contains detailed information on a child’s academic progress, effort and social behavior.
Academic grades are based on actual performance, what the student knows and is able to do. The quality of a student’s academic work is the major factor in determining the grade. Grades for effort, work habits and social skills are reported separately.
In this report, Glendale Schools are providing a very comprehensive review of each child’s performance. Grades are measured against academic standards developed by the State of California. These standards are among the most rigorous in the nation. Students’ grades are now a clear indication of how well they are meeting the standards set for all California children. In addition, the state standards provide greater consistency in academic expectations for students and grading practices for teachers.
Benchmark tests are administered annually. Parents are advised if students do not meet grade level standards and options for remediation are recommended.