CURRICULUM

Lafayette Academy uses the Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum as the core curriculum. This curriculum is aligned with state standards, benchmarks, and grade level expectations and should increase student achievement. Several administrative team members have thorough knowledge and experience with this curriculum.

Students receive uninterrupted daily instruction in a 120-75-60-60 sequence (120 minutes of ELA, 75 minutes of Math, 60 minutes of Science and 60 minutes of Social Studies). Co-curricula periods of 45 minutes are alternately dedicated to second language instruction, PE, library, music, and art. To increase student achievement results, Lafayette Academy integrates arts and inquiry into the Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum core subjects as well as diversifying teaching within classrooms to meet the needs of the diverse student population in terms of learning styles and academic entry levels. Lafayette Academy Charter School believes that schools need to employ multiple methods of teaching and learning to meet a broad range of student learners.
Lafayette Academy offers students an exciting opportunity for grade-level and advanced coursework preparedness. The curriculum, combined with differentiated teaching, interdisciplinary learning, high expectations, and a shared visionary leadership provide a unique opportunity for students interested in the arts, technology and a literature rich curriculum to pursue their individual talents. Research and inquiry skills are incorporated into all core subjects to increase critical thinking skills and written language skills which also give the opportunity for advanced coursework. This type of results-based model hinges on effective leadership, active parental involvement, and a school-wide culture which acknowledges and values academic success.

Professional development needs include training in Blackbaud, a school wide software program for tracking student attendance, progress, and academic standing. Training in administering Dibels and participating in LATEP, the teacher evaluation program, knowing the critical features of LCC and distribution and discussion of GLE requirements will occur before school begins. Additional professional development will center on differentiated teaching to reach students with various learning styles, neural processing as related to teaching academic material, shared leadership starting from the top and reaching through out the school, and social skills program training. Professional development will take place school wide on designated days, but ongoing development will occur weekly with grade level teacher meetings and Division Heads or other members of the school leadership team.