Math - Our students learn to appreciate the power of mathematics and the role it plays in modern society. Our students learn to use mathematical skills and thinking as a necessary tool in the modern world.
Science - All students are exposed to Earth science, basic Biology, basic Chemistry and Physics, in different proportions. All science courses prepare students for future studies in the various fields of science and place an emphasis on critical thinking skills and understanding the foundations and history of each discipline.
English - Language arts include reading, writing, speaking, listening, and comprehension. A significant element of the program is based on the work of great authors of the past and present. The English program is designed with several core skills in mind: Reading and Literature, Writing and Research, Grammar and Usage, Spelling and Vocabulary, and Viewing and Presenting.
Social Studies - Students study the historical and modern interaction of cultures and geography in order to gain fundamental knowledge about the world. Our goal is to develop students who will become engaged and knowledgeable citizens in our increasingly complex society.
Art - The focus is on art as a means of personal expression. Students have the opportunity to develop sophisticated concepts and skills as they use art as a means to better understand and interpret their world.
Music - The music program at the MASSA has as its goal to give students a knowledge and appreciation of music. Music is considered particularly important at MASSA as it has been shown to integrate intellectual development, while enhancing student social skills and self-discipline.
Computers - The computer is a basic tool of the modern world. Computer literacy and competent use of a variety of applications is essential in today's technologically advanced world. The technology program at MASSA is designed to provide students these basic skills in a systematic, safe, and engaging way.
PE - Modern convenience in today's society removes much of the physical activity from daily life. MASSA understands the necessity of the creation and maintenance of a healthy body to match the healthy intellect of our youth. Our P.E. program is designed to foster teamwork in a safe and fun environment while students develop physical fitness and an appreciation for a variety of sports.
Special Education - All children are entitled to special education services at no cost to the family. At MASSA we strive to include every student with disabilities in general education under the inclusion model which places students with disabilities in our regular classrooms. The students will receive support from a special education teacher and other appropriate modifications to the instructional program.
Our students learn to appreciate the power of mathematics and the role it plays in modern society. Depending on the student's experience and skill level, he or she is placed in one of several math programs upon enrolling at MASSA. Students are also exposed to geometry and statistics. Within the selected program, both student and teacher work together to develop individual tasks and goals that are appropriate for that student, and that best match the student's abilities and interests.
We use the SAXON mathematics materials for consistency between the elementary school and the middle school through Algebra ½, SAXON's designation for pre-algebra, and the McDougal-Littell Larson series for Algebra I. Please visit their sites for a complete overview of the materials.
Wherever it is pedagogically sound to do so, we incorporate technology in our courses. At the middle school level, classes meet seven class periods a week which provides time for the students to meet in the computer lab on a regular basis. All students have access to Study Island, a web-based software package that provides practice with basic skills.
Our students are able to participate in many statewide and national competitions. Students may participate in competition preparation during our after school program in addition to available class time.
According to Arizona educational standards, all middle school students are exposed to Earth science, basic Biology, basic Chemistry and Physics, in different proportions.
The Earth Science class serves as an introduction not only to earth science, but also to middle school science. This class is designed to introduce students to a variety of topics, as well as to help create a foundation for future study in each of these disciplines. Students develop reading and writing skills that allow them to create connections among concepts taught in class. Students identify main ideas, and answer recall and critical thinking questions on heat and energy, waves, geology, plate tectonics, streams, oceanography, weather and atmosphere, and astronomy. Students also study the lives and work of several important scientists. Through field trips, multi-media presentations, hands-on activities and computer generated curriculum, students develop an understanding of current technology and its role in science generally and earth science in particular.
Middle school Biology textbooks reinforce classroom concepts relating to plants, animals, and cellular biology. Students begin to develop appropriate laboratory skills through hands-on projects and microscope use, and learn to work cooperatively. Topics that will be covered in this course include but are not limited to: cells, genetics, evolution, life cycles, microorganisms, botany (plants), zoology, ecosystems, and the contributions of some of the major biologists.
Physical Science introduces students to the physical sciences at a basic level. Topics covered include but are not limited to: basic chemistry, heat and energy, waves, motion and forces, electricity, magnetism, light and some of the main scientists.
English at the Math and Science Success Academy includes a variety of activities and projects used to reinforce the four major standards: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A major element of the program explores authors of the past and present. The English curriculum encourages the development of critical thinking skills and applies knowledge gained through relevant life situations. It is designed with several core skills in mind including: Reading and Literature, Writing and Research, Grammar and Usage, Spelling and Vocabulary, and Viewing and Presenting.
Reading and Literature is devoted to introducing students to interacting with literature from a perspective of writing about literature and writing samples of various genres. Students will have the opportunity to learn about works written by diverse authors from diverse communities and backgrounds, as well as practicing their own creative writing skills.
Writing and Research address such topics as the writing process, analytical writing traits, using computers for writing and research, how to overcome writer's block, writing concise and effective sentences, how to use punctuation correctly, making papers more persuasive, and writing for unity and clarity.
Grammar and Usage is a context-based program designed to be a concise yet comprehensive coverage of basic grammar and mechanics principles. We will play grammar games, have drills and reinforcement exercises to help students practice their skills, and participate in group and peer editing review. Every attempt will be made to pique student interest with study tips, memory devices, humorous bloopers, and career advice (grammatical usage for resume building, business letter writing, and job applications).
Spelling and Vocabulary is also context-based. Our class journals will contain, among other writings, a list of vocabulary words each day for building a power business and literature vocabulary comprehension and proper usage. Each list will be gleaned from class readings, assignments, Latin-based words, and other sources. A typical journal entry for a vocabulary word will contain the word, at least one common definition, a sentence using the word properly, and a citation of where that word might be found in use.
Viewing and Presenting is designed to enable students to participate and observe in a wide variety of public speaking venues. Students will participate in small, in-class drama presentations, research presentations, presentation of group projects, mock job interviews, and forensics. As well, students will be expected to participate in rating and questioning other presenters.
The purpose of teaching Social Studies is to imbue students with an understanding of how our society is structured and how societies were structured in the past.
The curriculum encourages the process of discovery which will help students to identify cause and effect relationships, synthesize interpretations and develop theories with regard to the subjects covered.
World History and Geography focuses on significant historical cultures, regions, people, events and achievements from Paleolithic times to the present day. Some countries have always been perceived to have a great influence on Western Civilization (Israel, Greece, Rome and Western Europe, etc.) while the influence of others (Africa, Southwest Asia, India, China, Mongolia, Japan and Russia) is newly recognized.
Students also learn geography. Special emphasis is placed on the five themes of geography (location, place, region, movement, and human-environment interaction) and significant physical features in the world. Students will recognize the relationships of events and people and will interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in world history. They will analyze locations, regions, and spatial connections, recognizing the natural and cultural processes that have impacted the ways in which people and societies have lived and interacted with each other and their environments.
Students will recognize the relationships of events and people and interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in history. Students will analyze locations, regions, and spatial connections, recognizing the natural and cultural processes that have impacted the ways in which people and societies have lived and interacted with each other and their environments.
Each week, while completing a variety of engaging projects, students are introduced to fundamental art concepts and new media techniques. The history and work of famous artists are shared, and students develop a "visual vocabulary." Students are introduced to the principles of design. Concepts are set in an historical context, and the works of famous artists are used to introduce and demonstrate topics. Hands-on skills practice encourages the mastery and retention of concepts.
Student projects include exploring the following: line, balance, abstraction, composition as well as geometric and organic shapes. Students gain skills in drawing and the use of watercolor and oil pastels.
At this level, students develop a more sophisticated appreciation for, and application of, formal art concepts and media techniques. Students explore various art styles and content areas such as Abstraction, Impressionism, portraits and landscapes. Students develop individualized projects rising out of in-depth research on specific artists, styles and techniques. The focus is on art as a means of personal expression. Art projects at this level focus on an exploration of the ways in which art and artists influence, and are influenced by, society and culture. Projects include a personal art journal, an in-depth printmaking project exploring abstraction, cartooning and comic art.
Student projects at all levels are graded using a rubric (guideline for success) which specifies the art concepts being introduced or reinforced. Students are graded on their demonstrated understanding of the concepts, and their diligence in completing the assigned tasks.
MASSA students have music two times per week, where they learn to play their choice of guitar or piano and to read and compose music. These lessons culminate in two recitals each year.
In addition, students are taught the history of Western music, the music of other cultures around the world, and the skill of audiation (being able to think in musical terms). This skill is the most important to the student, as it prepares them for the most rewarding appreciation of what music conveys. By learning the language of music as one learns any other language, the student develops the basis for a lifelong relationship with music. Teaching methods include aspects drawn from Suzuki, Kodaly and Edwin Gordon. All instruction includes a strong play element so that students are encouraged to be spontaneous and creative with music.
Computer literacy is becoming increasingly important in today's technologically advanced world. The MASSA computer program provides a comprehensive view of the technological world, and provides grade appropriate instruction concerning hardware, software and the Internet.
Students utilize Microsoft Office software applications, and the use of the Internet is monitored through web-blocking software, and by ensuring that activities are carried out under adult supervision.
Students are initiated into an understanding of computer hardware and its functioning, providing a firm basis from which to progress into knowledge application. Instruction develops a skills base through a variety of typing exercises, and by exposing the students to software packages such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint slide show and spreadsheet applications. At this level, the computer instruction program also facilitates the application of the learner's expanding knowledge pool, by providing opportunities to actively and safely participate in Internet research projects and activities. Such activities are beneficial to other areas of the school curriculum, as they enable students to consult a wide range of reference sources.
Students explore the Internet as a reference source, and learn useful strategies to gather information for other subjects in the school curriculum. Students involved in MASSA computer instruction are given the opportunity to progress from knowledge to skill application, in the fields of both hardware and software.
Modern convenience in today's society removes much of the physical activity from daily life.
MASSA understands the necessity of the creation and maintenance of a healthy body to match the healthy intellect of our youth.
As such, MASSA regards Physical Education as a very important part of a student's education. P.E. classes for all MASSA students begin with a group stretch, followed by a calisthenics period to include jumping jacks, push-ups, and sit-ups.
Students exercise in two person teams, to foster encouragement and to allow students to assist in the completion of their partner's repetition when they need help. They play a variety of games that require them to use both their large and small motor functions and muscles. Sports equipment such as hula-hoops, basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and floor scooters allow for a variety of activities.
Students learn the traditional rules of sports and are also encouraged to participate in creating their own games; past favorites have included scooter tag, scooter floor hockey, and scooter relay races.
Students are assigned the task of creating a "safe" obstacle course to test their agility skills. The ultimate goal of MASSA’s PE program is to foster teamwork in a safe and fun environment while students develop physical fitness and an appreciation for a variety of sports.
Math and Science Success Academy strives to include every person with disabilities in the general education under the inclusion model. This is facilitated through direct services, consultation and support offered by a Special Education Teacher.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and was last reauthorized in 2004. The law is known as IDEA 2004. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (I.D.E.A.) states all individuals with disabilities from birth through 21 years of age are to receive a free and appropriate education (F.A.P.E.). This education must occur in the least restrictive environment (L.R.E.) and provide supplementary aids and supports when necessary. Curricular adaptations, which include both accommodations and modifications, are changes in the educational environment that allows the student equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as their non-disabled peers. School districts, including charter schools, are responsible for identifying and providing special education services to students from 5 to 21 years of age. MASSA provides support to students with disabilities in the L.R.E. and educates students as much as possible in the same physical environment as their non-disabled peers.
