K - 6th Curriculum
Teaching & Learning
K–6 Curriculum
Contact
Elementary Schools (K–4)
- Blakely Elementary →
South end of the island - Ordway Elementary →
Main campus - x̌alilc (Halilts) Elementary →
North end of the island
Intermediate School (5–6)
- Sonoji Sakai Intermediate →
Serves students islandwide
Choice Programs
- Odyssey Multiage Program →
K–8 multiage learning with high parent involvement, at Commodore Options School - Mosaic Home Education Partnership →
K–8 partnership with homeschooling families, at Commodore Options School - El Velero Spanish Immersion →
K–4 bilingual Spanish immersion, at Ordway
Related Pages
K–6 Curriculum
Our three community elementary schools for grades K–4 share common materials, learning standards and instructional activities, so every student has a consistent, high-quality learning experience. Students then come together islandwide at Sakai Intermediate School for grades 5–6, and families can also choose from three choice programs.
Common Core State Standards guide teaching and learning at each grade level. BISD has adopted English language arts and math materials that are aligned with these standards.
English Language Arts
Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Being a Reader & Being a Writer
Being a Reader and Being a Writer, from the Center for the Collaborative Classroom, are the core ELA materials for K–2. Being a Reader combines whole-class and small-group instruction to help students learn to read and develop a love of reading.
The program includes elements of Structured Literacy, which uses systematic, explicit instruction to teach decoding skills, including phonology, sound-symbol association, syllable instruction, morphology, syntax and semantics (International Dyslexia Association, 2015). Foundational skills and rich literacy experiences are paired with explicit social skills instruction that helps students grow as responsible, caring and collaborative people.
Being a Writer is a research-based writing curriculum that combines a writing process approach with guided instruction and social skills instruction.
3rd–5th Grade, and 6th Grade at Odyssey
Wit & Wisdom
Wit & Wisdom features award-winning books by contemporary and established authors. Rather than teaching standards one at a time, each module integrates reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language skills through rich texts and tasks.
Students build essential literacy skills and knowledge across different fields, along with the important values of empathy and perseverance.
6th Grade at Sakai
Amplify ELA & Leaving Our Island
Amplify ELA is a blended English language arts curriculum designed for grades 6–8 to prepare students for high school and beyond. Students learn to tackle complex texts, make observations, grapple with interesting ideas and find personal relevance through dynamic texts, lively discussion and meaningful digital experiences.
Leaving Our Island
Sakai students also take part in Leaving Our Island, a learning experience about the Japanese American incarceration during World War II and its impact on the Bainbridge Island community.
Math
Kindergarten–6th Grade
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics is fully aligned to the focus, rigor and coherence of the standards. Its units, activities and representations help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, build fluency with procedures and solve problems.
Students make sense of math concepts in their own words first, and academic vocabulary is introduced as they actively explore and learn. In 6th grade, students use Illustrative Mathematics through the Desmos platform.
Science & Social Studies
Science
K–5: Inquiry-Based Science
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) guide our inquiry-based science instruction, centered on place-based and often local phenomena. Curricula include Ambitious Science (a University of Washington program), Mystery Science, FOSS and other resources.
Science
6th Grade: OpenSciEd
OpenSciEd is a full-course curriculum built on phenomenon-based, three-dimensional units that prioritize understanding and sense-making. It’s based on the NGSS and designed around how students learn science best.
Social Studies
K–5: State Standards
OSPI’s Social Studies Learning Standards guide our social studies instruction.
Social Studies
6th Grade: TCI
TCI’s social studies curriculum focuses on student-led learning and immersive activities, preparing students to be engaged, thoughtful citizens as they explore social studies through the Inquiry Arc.
Specialists & Libraries
Specialists
Elementary students take art, music, STEM and physical education once a week.
Libraries
Each elementary school has its own librarian.
Assessments & Progress Reports
How We Measure Progress
Assessments
Teachers use a variety of informal and formal classroom assessments to guide instruction and check progress. In addition:
- Universal screening: Students in grades K–6 are screened three times a year with FastBridge reading and math assessments to identify academic needs. Learn about MTSS.
- Kindergarten: The Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) is given in the fall to bring families, teachers and early learning providers together to support each child’s transition to school.
- State tests: Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) in ELA and math are given in grades 3–8 and 10, as required for state and federal accountability.
Staying Connected
Progress Reports & Grading
In grades K–5, your child’s teacher reports on their progress twice a year, and you’ll have two opportunities each year to conference with your child’s teacher. Beginning in 6th grade, students receive grades.