MEETING DIVERSE LEARNING NEEDS
At P.S. 142 we offer a variety of classroom settings as well as services to support and challenge students with a variety of strengths and needs. ICT classes are offered at every grade level, providing two certified teachers who individualize instruction for students with a range of abilities. We also offer students with disabilities the services they need to thrive in a variety of settings, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and counseling. Our service providers support students within the classroom so that no student misses instruction and all students are able to apply the strategies they learn to their daily studies.
At P.S. 142 we offer a variety of classroom settings as well as services to support and challenge students with a variety of strengths and needs. ICT classes are offered at every grade level, providing two certified teachers who individualize instruction for students with a range of abilities. We also offer students with disabilities the services they need to thrive in a variety of settings, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and counseling. Our service providers support students within the classroom so that no student misses instruction and all students are able to apply the strategies they learn to their daily studies.
At P.S. 142 we know all students are individuals with different needs and strengths. So, we prioritize small group and one-on-one instruction. Staffing multiple teachers per classroom and including all service providers in in-class instruction enables us to provide customized instruction and personalized attention to our students.
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Curriculum
At P.S. 142, our curriculum is designed to challenge students to reach their potential, as they grapple with complex problems and ideas. Students are encouraged to develop independence as they develop their voice and grow into active participants in our community.
At P.S. 142, our curriculum is designed to challenge students to reach their potential, as they grapple with complex problems and ideas. Students are encouraged to develop independence as they develop their voice and grow into active participants in our community.
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Reading and Writing
Like all District 1 schools, we use the EL curriculum for our primary literacy instruction. We work with EL coaches to continually to develop our instructional craft. We also use Fundations, Heggerty, and Sound Wall for foundational skill instruction. Our standards-based approach to teaching reading and writing continues to evolve as we participate in ongoing professional development and learn from our own classroom practice. |
Math
We use Illustrative Math as the foundation of our math curriculum. Teachers work with their colleagues and with our IM staff developer to adapt the printed lessons to our students' needs and interests. We believe that math time should consist of investigation, exploration, creativity, and communication with peers and teachers. Most importantly, teachers ensure that students have ownership of math learning and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. |
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Arts
We believe arts instruction is essential for elementary school students. As such, we have a visual arts studio where all students learn to create using a variety of media. We also have a music studio where students learn both instrumental music as well as music theory. Partnerships with Rosie’s Theater Kids, Alvin Ailey, and the Urban Glass round out our students’ arts experiences. In addition, our After-3-Arts program run by our Community School partner, Educational Alliance, extends this learning in the after-school hours. |
Science
In addition to classroom science experience and lessons, students visit our state-of-the-art STEM lab, where they engage in hands-on experimentation and investigation. Through our partnership with Sunworks, students also have the opportunity to learn about hydroponics. We also have a technology lab that offers students experience with coding and robotics. Social Studies We believe that doing a few studies in depth is the most effective approach to teaching social studies. We also address current events as part of our social studies curriculum, particularly in the upper grades. We believe learning happens best in context, so some of our social studies instruction is integrated throughout our Reading and Writing curriculum as well. |
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Social Emotional Learning
Part of our responsibility as a school is to help our students develop the language and skills to resolve conflicts, stand up to bullying and bias, manage anger, embrace differences, and take leadership to improve their communities. We have adopted the 4Rs curriculum from the Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility. All of our students participate in our Restorative Circles practice which provides students with an opportunity to share their feelings, build their conflict resolution skills, and reflect on current events. For an example of this work, see the video on our homepage.
Part of our responsibility as a school is to help our students develop the language and skills to resolve conflicts, stand up to bullying and bias, manage anger, embrace differences, and take leadership to improve their communities. We have adopted the 4Rs curriculum from the Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility. All of our students participate in our Restorative Circles practice which provides students with an opportunity to share their feelings, build their conflict resolution skills, and reflect on current events. For an example of this work, see the video on our homepage.