Our math curriculum is all about building knowledge - not just skills. Building deep, lasting understanding rather than just memorizing. Knowledge about the real world, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Knowledge through consistent core skill development, rather than reinventing the wheel with each lesson. And the knowledge that builds upon itself for richer connections throughout the learning process. Every child has unlimited potential and is capable of greatness.
The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) is an approach to literacy instruction for students in elementary and middle schools with two primary goals: to improve students’ reading and writing, and to help children become lifelong, confident readers and writers who display agency and independence through work with teachers, collaboration with peers, and independent work.
The New York City K–8 Scope and Sequence is a comprehensive resource that integrates national standards, the New York State Social Studies Core Curriculum (including content, concepts, key ideas, understandings, and performance indicators), and the NYS K–8 Social Studies Framework. Each yearly course of study is organized around a suggested time frame for core content, guided by essential questions.
This Scope and Sequence works hand-in-hand with the NYC Passport to Social Studies curriculum, which provides high-quality, inquiry-based instructional materials tailored to each grade. The Passport curriculum supports the development of critical thinking, civic responsibility, and historical understanding, helping students engage with social studies in meaningful and relevant ways.
Amplify Science is a science curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. It is designed to spark our elementary students’ interest and empower them to ask more questions, think more critically, and generate innovative ideas.
Visual Arts classes in New York City are guided by both New York State Learning Standards for the Arts and the NYC Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. Students explore a range of artistic practices including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media while developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum emphasizes both art-making and understanding art through history, culture, and critique. Through hands-on projects and reflection, students learn to express themselves, engage with diverse perspectives, and build a strong foundation in the visual arts.
In New York City public schools, Advisory classes are designed to provide students with a supportive environment that fosters personal growth, community building, and academic guidance. These sessions often include group activities, discussions on social and emotional topics, and one-on-one check-ins with advisors to help students navigate their school experience. By promoting open communication and strong relationships between students and staff, Advisory classes aim to enhance students' overall well-being and success in school.
This year, our schoolwide academic focus is on strengthening students' reading comprehension through a deeper understanding of literary and informational texts. Specifically, we are centering our instruction around a key reading standard known as R3, which challenges students to analyze how elements of a story or information—like characters, events, and ideas—are connected and contribute to overall meaning. This focus was inspired by our review of the Spring 2024 ELA exam results, where we saw a clear connection between success on the assessments and mastery of these reading skills.
From English Language Arts to Health Education and beyond, all of our teachers will be incorporating strategies that support this standard into their instruction. Our goal is to help students become more thoughtful, sophisticated readers who can apply their literacy skills in any subject—and in the world around them. Additionally, we will be strengthening how we plan and deliver lessons by focusing on Danielson Framework Component 1e: Designing Coherent Instruction, ensuring that every lesson is purposeful, engaging, and connected to clear learning goals.
We’re excited to grow together in this work and look forward to a great year of learning at BEES!
Homework is an essential component of student learning, reinforcing skills taught in class and encouraging independent practice. At BEES, teachers have the professional autonomy to assign homework in the format that best supports their instructional goals—whether digitally or on paper—and to determine the timing that aligns with their curriculum. Regardless of format or frequency, homework will account for 10% of a student’s overall average in each specific class. This ensures consistency in grading while honoring teacher flexibility.
Service Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates community service with instruction, and youth-driven advocacy projects that transform schools and communities by giving young people an opportunity to make their voices heard, and a critical component of an education model that takes seriously its responsibility to prepare students for their role in a democracy. At SLP, we believe children and teens have powerful solutions to the complex problems facing our community and country.
https://servicelearningnyc.org
Bringing Environmental Education to New York City Middle Schools. Christodora’s Winter Ecology Program (WEP) is 7 amazing weeks of hands-on science exploration in city middle schools. After WEP, students understand the nature and ecology found right in their city!
https://www.christodora.org/programs/winter-ecology-program
New York Edge believes that every student deserves opportunities to find a passion, develop skills, become a leader, and have a healthy and safe environment beyond school hours. Our after school and summer programs reach thousands of students annually in more that 100 schools across all five boroughs and Long Island, with activities that are welcoming, enriching, and fun.
https://newyorkedge.org/
Program Director-Ms. Solomon ms664k@newyorkedge.org
Our BEES Saturday Academy is an exciting and enriching program designed to support and extend student learning beyond the classroom. In partnership with Vision Education Media and Robofun, students can explore a dynamic Scratch Coding and AI Website Design course, combining creativity with cutting-edge technology. The program also offers math and ELA test preparation, targeted academic support or tutoring, and additional assistance for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Saturday Academy is a valuable space where students can strengthen their academic skills, explore new interests, and grow in a supportive and engaging environment.
