[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Q Why use a custom curriculum and not acceleration as others schools do?
Acceleration – This method shortens the time a student spends learning the K-12 curriculum. It allows the student to learn above their current grade level. Sometimes this is done by subject or by the entire grade (grade skipping).
Custom Curriculum – This method tailors the curriculum for a student in order to meet their ability levels and learning needs. A custom curriculum has the benefits of acceleration without the downfalls of the accelerated approach.
Downfalls with acceleration:[/vc_column_text][bsf-info-box icon=”Defaults-arrow-right” icon_size=”32″ icon_color=”#a7b162″ title=”Acceleration by Subject”]In acceleration by subject the student has to prove the mastery of concepts before they can be moved up. The problem with this solution is if the student does a mid semester move, how will they learn the material already covered in the advanced class. In addition, once in the advanced class the student will have a more challenging curriculum but is still expected to move at a pace with the rest of the class. What if you child understand the material more quickly than those around them OR needs more time to understand a particular concept?[/bsf-info-box][bsf-info-box icon=”Defaults-arrow-right” icon_size=”32″ icon_color=”#a7b162″ title=”Acceleration by Grade”]Acceleration by grade (grade skipping) assumes the student’s ability is equal on all subjects. It is unusual for a student to be at the same academic level on ALL subjects. Many students have Asynchronous Development.[/bsf-info-box][vc_column_text]
Q What are the admission requirements to attend Triad?
There is no entrance exam or IQ testing required. Although, it is helpful to have test results to get a sense of the student, but we do not require it. Admission to Triad is mostly based on interviews with the family and student. A typical student at Triad works at or above his or her traditional grade level, demonstrates curiosity, is engaged in learning, and has strong family involvement.
We believe not every school is right for every student. It is essential to match the school, the student and the student’s family in order for students to be successful. When the match is right, the school, the student and the family become a team and all parties are responsible for a student’s success.
Q How does Triad’s curriculum help gifted students?
The curriculum breaks grade level boundaries to meet where the child is functioning at academically. With Triad’s customized curriculum a student isn’t held back by the rest of the class. The student moves at his or her own pace, regardless of whether it is quickly or slowly. Once the student masters a concept he or she is allowed to move onto the next.
Q What is SEL?
Social situations can affect students learning and well-being in and outside the classroom. Triad promotes SEL (social emotional learning) as it teaches students how to effectively and constructively communicate with each other. Many schools teach students how to master subjects such as math, reading, science, history, etc., but don’t teach the basic life skill such as, how to communicate how they feel and why. Without this basic ability to communicate and understand themselves it leads to frustration and anger with themselves and others. SEL involves the knowledge of understanding and managing one’s emotions. Helps the student set positive goals, feel and show empathy towards others, improve attitude about one’s self, others and the school, and have positive and productive communication towards others.
Q What is the student to teacher ratio?
Each level, which consists of approximately 10 students, has one teacher and one teacher’s aide.
Q How does Triad customize the curriculum?
Triad uses an online program called Odyssey through Compass Learning. Odyssey provides an intensive and comprehensive initial diagnostic assessment. With these results the teacher is able to create a custom learning path for the student. The teacher then monitors the lessons created and works with the students as they progress on their customized path.
This program asses the student on a constant basis and gives instant feed back to the teacher. The teacher can then assign the appropriate lessons. The program is an interactive program teaching students in an engaging way. If the student is struggling in an area the program will back up the lesson and re-teach the student. The teacher then works with the student to help in the areas where the student needs additional help.
Q How often are students on the computer?
Students are on computer 1-2 hours a day, but is broken up into 15-30 minute increments, depending on the task.
Q Does Triad’s curriculum align with Common Core standards?
Yes, Triad’s students meet and usually exceed these standards.
Q In what ways is Triad like traditional schools?
Triad’s students still write papers, do research projects, book reports, and give presentations. Although Triad is different from other schools, we realize our students will still have to transition into a traditional atmosphere once leaving Triad. Our teachers will work with the family to ensure the student is prepared to go to the next school, whether it is the Davidson Academy, Monogue, Sage Ridge or into Washoe County School District.
Q What sets Triad apart from other schools?
Triad has the lowest student to teacher ratios in Reno.
Triad has a custom curriculum. Other schools may say they can level up or level down to meet their students’ needs. However, this is very difficult to truly do in a traditional classroom. The school may be able to supplement the students’ curriculum but the student is still required to stay in line with the rest of the class.
Triad is a small school. Because of this small size and customized curriculum, our students cannot “fall through the cracks”. The parents have a direct line of communication with the directors and the teachers. Your concerns will be heard and dealt with to our best ability.
Triad has partnered with Theory and Practice, a local group of psychologists, to provide a SEL curriculum and bi-yearly academic assessments. Triad could do this in house but we but we believe we should turn to people who are trained and unbiased.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]