•  The IB Framework

     

     
    Our Campus: Serving as a Vanguard Magnet School, approximately 80% of our students are identified as gifted and talented. Our rigorous curriculum is designed for varying levels of academic achievement and our primary tool for instructional delivery is the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) framework. Our school is proud to be the only school in HISD to offer both a Vanguard Magnet and an IB curriculum.

     

     
     

    International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program:  River Oaks was one of three schools to become the first authorized IBPYP schools in the state of Texas.  The complex program ensures that our students are exposed to advanced level thinking through inquiry instruction and questioning skills.   The components of the program also include a learner profile, learning the concept of international mindedness through understanding others’ differences, common assessment techniques, and action - the concept of taking responsibility and making a difference. Our students learn increasingly advanced skills in these areas and the culmination of their learning is the fifth grade “Exhibition”. Exhibition requires students to engage in a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them in identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems. We are proud of the amazing things our students have accomplished!

     

     

    Science: Our strong science program utilizes a hands-on, in lab, get dirty, make mistakes approach that allows our students to learn at the highest levels. All students attend the school’s science lab as well as receive instruction through the classroom. IB units of inquiry focus a great deal on science objectives and our teachers use a number of supplemental materials, including hands-on science kits to teach more isolated skills.  

     

    Reading & Language Arts:  ROE implements a guided reading program that is based on the idea that students should be instructed based at their current reading level.  After assessments are done, staff members communicate to parents the level of the student in the area of independent and instructional reading, considering fluency and comprehension, as well as accuracy and expanded vocabulary.  Our approach to spelling is also developmental and differentiated for instructional levels. 

     
     
     
    Math:  River Oaks has chosen to utilize EveryDay Math as the primary instructional math program. This program includes time for whole-group instruction as well as small group, partner, or individual activities. These activities balance teacher-directed instruction with opportunities for open-ended, hands-on explorations, long-term projects and on-going practice. Teachers provide additional supplements such as Everyday Counts, Envision, and others as needed by individual students.  Technological support comes through Every Day Math, First in Math, and a variety of educational math websites. Common formative and summative assessments help guide teachers in their instructional practice and allow parents to be informed of student progress.  
     
     
    For more information about the EveryDay Math program please visit http://everydaymath.com/.
     
     
    Social Studies:  Our students learn much in the area of social studies through PYP unit planners.  In addition, objectives not covered in IB planners are taught in each grade level based on our district and state guidelines.  American History, Global Geography, and connections to current local, national and world events are easily viewed at our school!
     
     

     

    Supplemental Curriculum:  All students attend Spanish, Music, Art, Science and P.E. Physical activity on other days is a minimum of 30 minutes per day.   In addition, students have on-going access to laptops via multiple mobile labs, itouchs, ipads, and classroom computers. Students also have the support of a nurse, literacy coaches, Special Education faculty and instructional specialists. Fourth and Fifth graders participate once a week in elective classes.