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This year, 2005−2006, the Gabriella
Charter School opened with five classrooms,
K−3,
with 20 students in each class. In subsequent years, GCS will add grades four and five
with 25 students in each class. Skilled teachers, supported by instructional aides,
parents, community volunteers and high school tutors, differentiate instruction to
challenge all students to stretch themselves to their potential.
The school day at GCS is highly structured and moves
between teacher−directed
lessons, guided learning and independent/group work at desks or at a variety of learning
centers. Activities are planned to accommodate English Language Learners, students
with learning differences and students who are at more advanced levels of reading and
writing. Group projects encourage collaborative learning and develop specific social skills
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working cooperatively, listening to each other, rotating leadership roles, communicating
clearly and developing good work habits.
GCS teachers employ research−based instructional
strategies that are proven to be highly
successful in narrowing the achievement gap between low−income,at
risk students and
their more economically advantaged counterparts. These include Backwards Design,
Multiple Intelligences and Scaffolding/Specially Designed Academic Instruction (SDAIE)
techniques.
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