Coyote Creek Elementary
COLLABORATING TO INSPIRE ACHIEVEMENT
Curriculum & Learning at Coyote Creek
Literacy Transparency
In 2021, the The Literacy Curriculum Transparency Act was passed by the Colorado General Assembly. This act requires schools to share information on their websites such as the school's core and supplemental reading curriculum, literacy curriculum used for intervention, and the number of students in grades K-3 who have READ plans as well as the number of students who have achieved reading competency. Additional information can be found at the following website:
Literacy Curriculum Transparency
Reading
For reading, we use balanced literacy, at the core of which is a guided reading framework created by reading guru Jan Richardson. Data is used to place students in flexible, skill-based, small groups. Phonics is taught using Fundations, and in older grades, Words Their Way is used for word work. Additionally, our interventionists are trained in Orton Gillingham, and our special education learning specialists use the Wilson Reading System.
In the 2022-2023 school year, we will be switching to a core literacy curriculum that meets updated guidelines from the Colorado Department of Education. Highlands Ranch area schools will be using the Wonders reading curriculum.
Writing
For writing, our teachers utilize a variety of resources. Students are taught the structure of writing through the Step Up to Writing curriculum. Teachers use other resources as well, such as the 6 Traits of Writing and Ralph Fletcher's Craft Lessons.
In the 2022-2023 school year, we will be using the writing component of the Wonders curriculum.
Math
In the 2020-2021 school year, Coyote Creek switched to enVision Math. This program will be used throughout our west Highlands Ranch region, including the middle school. We will continue to utilize this program in the 2021-2022 school year and beyond.
Science & Social Studies
Teachers at CCE use a variety of resources to teach Science & Social Studies curriculum. This year, we will begin using STEMscopes for science. We are so excited to incorporate this amazing curriculum into our classrooms!
Social Emotional Learning
Because DCSD voters approved 5A and 5B, all elementary schools now have a full-time school counselor! Our counselor will be working with classes, small groups, and individual students to support social emotional learning, utilizing programs such as Zones of Regulation. In the 2021-2022 school year, teachers will also have access to MindUp resources.
Positive Behavior Support
In order to support positive behavior choices, we use a structure called PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support). Students learn to use their "PAWS" - P = Positive Interactions, A = Aware of Self and Others, W = Wise in Academics, and S = Safe. Throughout the year, students are recognized for showing their PAWS! The PAWS acronym is used throughout the school including Specials, Lunch, & Recess.