Vineland Public Schools: Curriculum

Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination

The Vineland School District has adopted policies which guarantee that all students shall have equal educational opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, disability, national origin, social/economic status or sexual orientation and that all students are entitled to learn in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Any student who alleges that there has been an incident of discrimination/harassment should report the allegation in writing to Dr. Maryann Banks, Superintendent of Schools, Title IX Coordinator, Vineland Public Schools, 625 Plum Street, Vineland, NJ 08360, (856)794-6700, x 2002.. The district policies are available online or at each school

Preschool:

Vineland’s Early Childhood Program provides all three and four year old children in the city of Vineland with high quality full-day preschool. The Early Childhood Program fosters the social-emotional, physical and academic development of each child. In addition, children are encouraged to explore, interact and develop reasoning skills through hands-on learning experiences. There is a strong focus on language development throughout the preschool day. Vineland’s Preschool Program consists of three district preschools partnering with eleven private providers. We presently have about 1,200 preschool children in our program. Each of our 80 classrooms has one preschool certified teacher as well as an assistant. We do have inclusion classrooms which offer our special needs students the opportunity to participate in the regular preschool program with their peers as well as receive their required services. A full-time family worker or social worker is employed in each center to help meet the needs of the families as well as provide parent education. A preschool Child Study Team is available for all of the preschools to assist in meeting the different needs of our students. Vineland uses the High Scope approach to learning which is research-based and aligns to the Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations: Standards of Quality for Early Childhood. There are 58 preschool skills called Key Experiences that children are exposed to through their daily interactions and activities throughout the day. The Child Observation Record (COR) Assessment, Program Quality Assessment (PQA) as well as comprehensive portfolio with a variety of work samples in the areas of literacy and math are kept for each child. It is our goal that all children leave preschool with a love of learning and an exciting attitude about their future educational experiences. Preschool sets the foundation to build the bridge to higher learning.

Primary Level:

Beginning at the primary level, a strong core of academics forms the foundation of a student's education in Vineland. This includes state-of-the-art programs in reading/language arts; mathematics; science; and social studies. In addition, to help students develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for productive citizenship, students receive instruction in computer technology, physical education/health/safety, art, music, library, science, World Languages and Skills for Growing. A more challenging gifted program, LEAP (Learners with Exceptional Abilities Program) is available for those students who meet district criteria. Innovative programs exist to assist students who require extra assistance in the basic skills during the early years, and bilingual and special education programs are available to meet student needs.

Middle School Level:

At the middle school level, grades 6-8, students encounter an increasingly more challenging curriculum. The emphasis on academics continues with the core of reading/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, physical education/health/safety, art; music, World Languages, Family and Consumer Science (including career education and study skills), Skills for Adolescence, and applied technology. A variety of grouping practices are designed to help meet student needs. Students in the LEAP (Learners with Exceptional Abilities Program) continue to have opportunities to meet their needs in advanced classes.

High School Level:

The curriculum at Vineland High School is one of the most comprehensive programs available to students anywhere. Courses required of all students for graduation include: 4 years of communication; 3 years of mathematics; 2 years of United States history; 1 year of world history/geography; 3 years of science; 2 years of fine, practical and/or performing arts; 2 years of a World Language;4 years of physical education/health; and 1/2 year of career exploration or development. All students must pass the State High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) as a condition for graduation.

Advanced placement programs are available in English; mathematics; science and social studies areas, and the elective program offers a rich variety of courses to meet virtually every conceivable career or life goal of students.

Vineland High School has made a major commitment to educational technology. Thus numerous computer laboratories and media centers with state of the art equipment allow students to use the latest technology to help them learn.

Curriculum Process:

The curriculum of the Vineland Public Schools is reviewed and revised on a regular basis within a 5-year Quality Assurance Cycle. During this cycle, committees made up of teachers, administrators, parents and community representatives study each curriculum area, review the research and most successful programs nationwide, and recommend changes to assure that the curriculum meets the needs of students and society. The cycle includes five stages: review, development, pilot, implementation, evaluation.

Alternative School:

This innovative program, designed to meet the needs of disaffected students, is now located in its own facility, off the high school campus.