ACADEMIC PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION

The Legacy Traditional Schools program develops a solid foundation of fundamental and higher-level thinking skills through a structured curriculum that is consistent within each grade level and sequential

throughout the grades. The LTS curriculum is taught using Direct Instruction, which emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks.

Direct Instruction is based on the academic theory that teacher-led instruction can reduce, if not eliminate, misinterpretations. The direct instruction approach is known to greatly improve and accelerate learning.

Language Arts is phonics-based, supporting the curriculum’s rigorous focus on reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science.

Legacy’s curriculum exceeds all the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards established by the Arizona Department of Education. Highly effective, certified teachers utilizing the research-proven Seven Steps of Instruction deliver the advanced curriculum. The curriculum selected for each subject area reflects the school’s philosophy and overall goal to create and maintain a school culture in which students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

All families choosing to enroll their children in Legacy Traditional Schools and Legacy’s personnel will be provided opportunity, leadership, guidance, and support by means of a precisely executed operational plan. Legacy offers a reward-oriented culture and climate, shared and effective leadership, and exclusive instructional leadership that all lead to highly effective teaching, parent and community engagement, and meticulous study of data to create foundational conditions that allow a highly productive learning environment.

The following procedures are established to make certain that Legacy will continue to meet the expectations of parents, teachers, and administrators. Classroom teachers and administrators will utilize the following procedures as a guide for classroom organization, planning, and instructional expectations:

• Legacy provides opportunities for students who are accelerated in their math understanding to learn at a grade level above. Each grade level will offer opportunities for at-grade-level and above-grade-level math courses.
• Grades K–5 are self-contained, with heterogeneous groupings established by the teachers and the administration. Exception: Legacy-Surprise and Legacy-Phoenix campuses have separate middle school buildings.
• Grades 6–8 are departmentalized, with seven periods per day (five core/two elective). Grade 6 is departmentalized to allow for a seamless transition to junior high the following year. Grade 6 classes for LTS K–6 schools continue to be self-contained.
• Seventh period is recognized as a student’s homeroom.
• Built-in intervention/enrichment is provided throughout the school day for students in all grade levels.
• Students’ desks face the teacher’s primary instructional area in a grid pattern, to create an environment that fosters learning.
• Positive discipline techniques, which focus on positive reinforcement of appropriate behavior and consistent goals and expectations, are used to maintain a structured, calm, and orderly classroom environment.
• Each teacher utilizes direct instruction. Students are required to be engaged from bell to bell.
• In the early elementary years, students will begin cursive handwriting and Cornell Note Taking (first semester of third grade).
• Teachers strive to provide academic challenges for all students, using traditional instruction remediation practices to support all learners. Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide extended learning activities for their children.
• School announcements are delivered at the daily Flag Ceremony each morning. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
• Teachers establish a predetermined routine for testing. Students are seated quietly and remain seated during testing. Teachers monitor students during the administration of a test. All necessary materials are provided, and interruptions are kept to a minimum.
• Teachers use audiovisual aids that relate directly to the curriculum and are accompanied by written assignments. In keeping with Legacy policy, only G-rated video clips may be shown, with administrative approval.
• Participation in all academic programs is required for all students (including, but not limited to, Arizona’s standardized testing requirements, etc.).

Standards of Citizenship

Legacy Traditional Schools’ Standards of Citizenship curriculum is designed to help students develop a love for the United States of America. The lessons explore the responsibilities and privileges that come with being a U.S. citizen. The curriculum also teaches students about kindness and caring, which are essential behaviors of responsible U.S. citizens and fundamental building blocks for a safe learning environment.