Vista Academics

• Math
  

The Saxon Math curriculum uses an “incremental approach”:  This means concept are divided into smaller, more easily grasped pieces called increments. A new increment is presented each day and students work on only a few problems involving the new material.  The remaining homework consists of practice problems involving concepts previously introduced. Every assignment (and every test) is a cumulative review of all material covered up to that point. That constant reinforcement is the hallmark of Saxxon, as is producing textbooks that focus on math skills.

Saxon builds on concepts gradually. Many advanced concepts are introduced early, but in such a way that students don’t realize it. By they time they need to use it, they are comfortable with the idea.

• Reading/Literature Curriculum

Vista's language arts program is founded on high-quality literature. In addition to extensive reading experience with Waterford Computerized Reading Program, grades K-3 will utilize leveled libraries for Balanced Literacy instruction. This balance between reading and writing allows students to work at a level that is not frustrating for them, provides authentic opportunities for easing and writing, and is arranged on a continuum based on the appropriate amount of teacher support. Teachers instruct students in reading at their instructional levels, promoting reading strategies, increasing comprehension and encouraging independent reading. Grades 3-6 will continue this important process by utilizing the Junior Great Books Program - a research-based reading program rich in classic literature that provides a superb framework for teaching reading comprehension, critical thinking, and expressive writing, al in the context of students sharing ideas about great literature. The goal of this approach is to help all vista students become readers and writers who enjoy and value literacy.

Core Knowledge - see coreknowledge.org

Social Studies, History, Geography, Literature, and Visual Arts are taught by  dyadic and skilled history and arts specialists utilizing those components of the Core Knowledge Curriculum. This well-known and well-researched curriculum takes a world view of history as well as current events, instructing students in the geography of the world and how it affects the histories of different countries and regions.

• Science

• Spelling & Writing

Integrated Spelling and Writing: Staying in line with our research-based, innovative approach to education, Vista is leaving behind the traditional method of memorizing spelling words on lists. Current theory indicates that those words learned in context have greater meaning to students, and will have a higher likelihood of being automatically written more correctly in student writing. New spelling words are presented to students in context, contained within a paragraph format. Individualization will allow students to focus the focus their study on words they do not yet know, and spelling will be tested in this paragraph context, allowing not only for words to be spelled correctly, but also in their proper form within sentences, tying together the students' use of proper spelling with experiences in applying the conventions of capitalization, punctuation, handwriting, form, and organization. 

Additionally, grades K-2 will be using Lucy Calkins Writers Workshop curriculum, a structured approach to encouraging emerging writers to express themselves through their writing experiences. Grades 3-6 will continue to progress in their written expression using Write Source's interactive six-trait writing curriculum, providing students with experiences in applying the writing process to various forms of writing. The student writing process will be enriched by the use of technology in combination with growing writing skills to produce well researched and engagingly presented writing projects, including multi-media productions.

Utah Writes

• Daily Five

• Digital Curriculum

K-2 utilizes the Waterford digital on-line curriculum.

• RAZ Kids
• Levelled Library
• Words Their Way

7th Grade CTE Class:

Career and Technical Education Introduction (CTE Intro) offers exploration and preparation for high demand jobs and career paths that are both satisfying and financially rewarding.  CTE provides grades seven through college career preparation programs covering a combination of applied and technical arts and sciences, including:

Agriculture
Business
Family and Consumer Sciences (includes cooking and sewing)
Health Science
Marketing
Information Technology
Technology and Engineering
Technical Trades

The Career and Technical Education Introduction course is designed to help students identify interests, traits, and skills and connect them to effective education and career planning; all of this done at an appropriate developmental level.  The students will be active learners as they sample various career tasks, utilize technology, and meet high standards of achievement.  Experiences in this course ultimately help students value education and career planning and maximize individual opportunities.