Mastery Learning

Mastery Learning is an educational approach in which students must achieve mastery of a subject before moving forward to learn subsequent information about that subject; learning builds on established understanding. Students are given the time and support they need to reach mastery.

Curriculum
QSI Curriculum is developed by a trained team of QSI teachers who dedicate their time and efforts to improving the education of our student by embedding 21st Century skills and practices into our courses. They align the curriculum to various standards found in the United States, such as Common Core, NGSS, Aero, etc. Our curriculum is divided into 10 instructional units with 4 or more “The Student Will Statements” (TSW’s) for each unit, which drive our mastery learning instruction. Our textbook programs that support our curriculum, are also from the United States. We then verify the success of our program by utilizing NWEA’s MAP Growth assessments in Reading, Language Usage and Mathematics. These computer based, adaptive assessments are given to our students in the fall and the spring. We use the data to inform our instruction and evaluate our program.

Courses Throughout the Year

We believe all students will grow in knowledge, experience, and curiosity in these core areas: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Cultural Studies. They will also learn broader subject areas such as: Art, Library Skills, Music, Physical Education and Technology. If students have mastered English, they may learn a new language. We offer Russian, Spanish and French.

English Language Support

If a student does not know English, they will be enrolled in classes that will help support their learning to read, write, speak and understand English. These classes are called Intensive English and will be offered at designated support times during the school day. The best way to learn English is to be immersed in a lesson where the teacher and students speak and learn in English.

Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)

During the fall and in the spring, your child will take a MAP^® Growth™ test from NWEA^® on a computer or tablet. We give students MAP Growth tests to determine their instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year (and from year to year) in reading and mathematics.

MAP Growth tests are unique in that they adapt to your child’s level of learning. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This results in a detailed picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.

Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly.

MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade, subject, and have the same starting performance level. Following each testing period, you will receive a report showing your child’s growth, which you can review with your child’s teacher for more insight.

We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement. For more information about the MAP Growth test, visit: NWEA.org/Parent-Toolkit.