Special Programs at Adams include:

1. Special Education
2. Reading Support
3. English Language Learners (ELL)
4. Talented and Gifted (TAG)
5. Physical Education
6. Music
7. Art
8. Library
9. Computer Lab
10. Computer Lab Interactive
11. Differentiated Math Instruction
12. Behavior Support
13. School Garden
14. STARS After School Program

Special Education

A special education teacher and several assistants provide students with top quality instruction through our learning resource center. Our students receiving this specialized instruction make substantial learning progress in:

• Reading
• Mathematics
• Writing
• Speech & Language
• Study skills
• Social skills

Specialists also provide students with adaptive physical education, speech therapy and language development.

Specialized instruction is delivered to:

• Individuals
• Small groups
• Classrooms

Reading Support

Adams has a certified literacy coach to support teachers and reading assistants in providing students with specialized instruction in reading. Students needing additional support in reading (who do not qualify for special education services) work to meet grade level expectations in:

• Decoding
• Reading fluency
• Comprehension - literal, inferential & evaluative

Reading specialists work with small groups of students.

English Language Learners (ELL)

Our ELL Teacher provides instruction to improve learning by:

• Increasing English vocabulary
• Practicing using vocabulary in authentic settings
• Speaking
• Reading

Talented and Gifted (TAG)

Adams students are identified as Talented and Gifted in two categories - intellectual and academic. And students may be academically talented and gifted in reading and/or math.
To qualify students must:

• Score in the 97%tile (or above) on a nationally normed test
• Show gifted qualities in the classroom related to the specific area of identification
• Be identified as TAG by a team including the classroom teacher, parent and building principal

At Adams our goal is to motivate gifted students to become enthusiastic learners. TAG students receive differentiated instruction in the classroom. Curriculum is compacted to allow students to move at their own pace. Alternative learning experiences are planned so that students have opportunities for differentiated content, learning processes, products, and assessments. Differentiated pacing allows students to work at their own rate to learn the required concepts. This allows them to spend more time developing an expertise on a related topic of their choice.

Physical Education

Our PE specialist meets with classes once each week. Student learning is focused on:

• Expressive an Efficient Movement
• Fitness for Lifetime
• Self-Management & Social Behavior

Music

Our Music specialist meets with classes once each week. Student learning is focused on:

• Singing
• Playing Instruments
• Moving to Music
• Creating Music
• Reading & Notating Music
• Listening to, Analyzing & Evaluating Music

Intermediate grade students can join our school choir. This group meets weekly after school and performs at school functions.

Art

Adams students receive specialized instruction in art each week. Our artist-in-residence position is funded by donations and fundraising efforts by our supportive Adams Parent & Teacher organization (APT). Student learning is focused on:

• Responding to Works of Art
• Understanding How Works of Art Relate to Times & Cultures
• Using a Variety of Ideas, Skills & Techniques

Library

Our library contains an extensive and current collection of children's books. Adams students visit the library weekly to learn about genres of literature and authors, to check out books and to dive into reading!

Computer Lab

Our Computer Lab has 35 PC workstations, 3 network printers, a scanner and a projector. Students visit the lab to work on technology skills outlined in our district's technology curriculum. They work on a variety of projects and presentations in our computer lab. Adams intermediate students learn keyboarding skills in classrooms.

Differentiated Math Instruction

Our math programs allow each learner to work at his/her level of ability. Primary students might meet in skills groups, respond to open-ended math problems or work on concepts designed specially to meet their needs.
Our intermediate students are tested in the fall and placed in math classes based on their abilities. This allows students to progress in math at their own rate and level of learning.

Behavior Support

At Adams, we use school-wide behavioral interventions & support to teach positive behaviors, maximize safety, & create a climate that supports learning for all. Our behavior specialist provides students with instruction in social skills and problem solving. Adams students are taught how to apply our school beliefs in all settings.

The Adams School Beliefs:

• We RESPECT ourselves, one another and our environment.
• We take RESPONSIBILITY for our actions.
• We keep school SAFE for everyone.

Each month Adams School focuses on teaching selected lifeskills that are introduced & reinforced during school assemblies.
Lifeskills include:

• Integrity
• Initiative
• Flexibility
• Perseverance
• Organization
• Problem Solving
• Responsibility
• Patience
• Friendship
• Curiosity
• Sense of Humor
• Effort
• Common Sense
• Caring
• Courage
• Cooperation

School Garden

A group of students, staff, and parents started a garden on our east playground. Classrooms have plots, and we all work hard to see that our garden blooms. Gardening at Adams provides opportunities for integrated learning experiences in science, social studies, math, reading, art and writing.

STARS After School Program