K-4th Grade
Kindergarten Program
Full-day kindergartens staffed by licensed teachers and half-time teacher assistants are available in all elementary schools. The kindergarten program emphasizes the learning of developmental skills that are prerequisites for a more formalized instructional program beginning in the first grade. Examples of prerequisite skills include letter identification, counting, colors, listening skills, safety, nutrition, community helpers, singing, painting, etc.
In addition to prerequisite skills taught by classroom teachers, kindergarten students receive instruction from licensed special teachers of art, music, physical education and library. Kindergarten students also receive beginning computer literacy training.
Grades 1 – 4
In grades 1 – 4, children receive formal instruction in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, health and drug prevention education. All students receive weekly instruction in art, physical education, library, technology, and general music. At the fourth grade level, students may elect to take orchestra.
Elementary Students with Special Needs
Elementary students in grades K – 4 who have special problems that may interfere with learning are provided programs and services commensurate with their needs.
ELA Curriculum Overview
Oak Ridge Schools adopted EL Education as our K-3 ELA curriculum. EL is aligned to TN state standards, was rated green on EdReports and was approved through the state’s textbook adoption process for our K-3 students. EL is a comprehensive program that engages teachers and students in real-world content. It builds foundational literacy, language skills, knowledge about the world, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing through high-quality, content-rich literary and nonfiction texts. EL promotes equity for all children and provides opportunities for students to learn from each other and respect one another. EL emphasizes student ownership of learning and focuses on building habits of character. An overview of the curriculum can be found here. Lessons from EL can be found of TDOE’s website here.
Grade K TN standards alignment
Grade 1 TN standards alignment
Grade 2 TN standards alignment
Grade 3 TN standards alignment
Oak Ridge Schools adopted Guidebooks as our 4th grade ELA curriculum. It is aligned to TN standards and was approved through the state’s textbook adoption process. Students read, discuss, and write about texts that help them build knowledge about the world in the Guidebook’s units. Foundational skills are authentically applied throughout the ELA block as they read high-quality, complex texts and write in response to texts. An overview of the curriculum can be found here.
Grade 4 TN standards alignment
Math Curriculum Overview
Open Up Resources Mathematics is a problem-based curriculum rooted in content and practice standards to foster learning and achievement for all. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Teachers can shift their instruction and facilitate student learning with high-leverage routines that guide them in understanding and making connections between concepts and procedures. Open Up Resources is highly rated on EdReports, achieving the maximum score in all categories.
