Core Subjects
Mathematics
The Seaford Mathematics Department is committed to foster problem solving and critical thinking skills. Pedagogical approaches are grounded in research and foster the Seaford Scholar Characteristics.
Our K-12 Mathematics Scholars utilize the Magma Math instructional technology platform. Magma Math creates learning environments that are centered around joy, collaboration, and productive struggle. Magma enables teachers to apply best practices for mathematical instruction, and students get to work through rich problem solving tasks with multiple entry points. Specifically, Magma encourages student voice by initiating mathematical discourse, supports individual practice, offers instant formative assessment feedback for students and teachers, and can be utilized to differentiate instruction, scaffolding students toward success.
Magma Math
The New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards are defined as the knowledge, skills and understanding that individuals can and do habitually demonstrate over time because of instruction and learning experiences. These mathematics standards, collectively, are focused and cohesive—designed to support student access to the knowledge and understanding of the mathematical concepts that are necessary to function in a world very dependent upon the application of mathematics, while providing educators the opportunity to devise innovative programs to support this endeavor. As with any set of standards, they need to be rigorous; they need to demand a balance of conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and application and represent a significant level of achievement in mathematics that will enable students to successfully transition to post-secondary education and the workforce.
Elementary MathematicsĀ
GO Math! provides differentiated instruction resources across interactive platforms that follows the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) developing mathematical understanding in students. Content connects with today’s learners, such as Math in Careers, which challenges students to envision the role math can play in their future. Curriculum is divided into two parts, Domains and Mathematical Practices.
Science
The Seaford Science Department is committed to foster problem solving and critical thinking skills. Pedagogical approaches are grounded in research and foster the Seaford Scholar Characteristics.
Elementary Science
The Science Standards in Harbor and Manor Elementary are covered weekly in the classroom and during a special block. K-5 Science students engage in hands-on learning activities during FOSS and Mystery Science lessons. K-5 students attend a LIFT block weekly. LIFT incorporates Project Lead the Way (PLTW) that covers specific bands and topics in the NYS Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS).
FOSS
Foss science allows students to explore scientific phenomena and gain a deeper understanding of scientific principles. Grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards, FOSS Implements the the practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas aligned with the NYS Science Learning Standards.
Mystery Science
Mystery Science offers open-and-go online video lessons that inspire kids to love science and remain curious. The curriculum is infused with both 5-minute mini-lessons and hour-long, hands-on lessons which are NGSS-aligned for kindergarten through 5th grade. Mystery Science offers resources that support teachers to make science more engaging.
Mystery Science Resources:
Video: Why is Mystery Science so Phenomenal
Mystery Science and Alignment with NYSSLS
Explore Mystery Science
Mystery Science Sample Lessons
English Language Arts
The English Language Arts and Reading Departments in Seaford Schools are dedicated to mastery of all aspects of literacy: reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as an appreciation of effective inter-personal communication skills. Mastery of these skills comprises the framework for the language arts program in Seaford. Using the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards as a guide, we teach students to read, achieve fluency, comprehend and appreciate literature in all genres and non-fiction texts. We teach various forms of writing: narrative, descriptive, memoir, expository, argument, and research. We emphasize the value of close textual analysis using text-based evidence and higher-order thinking skills to master and interpret the written word. The goal of the reading and English Language Arts departments is to provide literacy skills development across the grades - mindful of the specific needs of each student. Accordingly, we offer courses, grade-level curricula, and academic intervention support services for those in need of remediation. The ultimate learning goal of our language arts program is to prepare students for college and careers.
Elementary
The district’s utilizes Heinemann’s Units of Study for Reading and Writing in grades K-5. The program supports students in becoming enthusiastic, avid and skilled readers, writers, and inquirers. Through the implementation of rigorous units, teachers work with students individually, in small groups, and in whole-class settings. Our teachers collaborate closely with fellow teachers, school leaders, and the Advancing Literacy staff developers.
With adherence to the current research in reading, the Fundations Program is implemented in kindergarten through grade two. The Fundations curriculum addresses phonemic awareness, phonics, word study, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension strategies, handwriting, and spelling. Along with the Fundations curriculum, the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Program is utilized in grades K-2.
Students enrolled in a reading intervention program who meet specific criteria receive instruction in programs that target students’ instructional needs. Among them are: Leveled Literacy Intervention, Orton-Gillingham, Linda Mood-Bell’s Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing, Fundations, and Heggerty Bridge the Gap as intervention programs. In certain circumstances, the Wilson Reading System is utilized with students who meet specific criteria—along with a recommendation from the Office of Pupil Personnel Services and in consultation with the school administrator.
Social Studies
Social Studies is intended to promote civic competence through the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities. The K-12 social studies curriculum in Seaford draws upon the skills and concepts from such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, belief systems, and sociology, as well as upon appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences where appropriate.
The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an inter-dependent world (adapted from the National Council for the Social Studies [NCSS] definition of Social Studies). Seaford Public Schools follows the NYS Social Studies Framework which supports students in: a) developing an understanding of the concepts and key ideas of history through inquiry, the analysis of primary and secondary source documents, and internalizing the disciplinary skills and practices of social studies; b) assessing their own understanding of key ideas and conceptual understandings of history and the social studies practices; and c) being able to use a cohesive set of themes, key ideas, and concepts to succeed in college and careers.
Seaford’s social studies curriculum provides instruction and experiences that promote students’ ability to think critically and creatively. Our aim is to provide opportunities for students to develop the intellectual, technological, social and participatory skills needed to excel in society, so that they may become effective United States and global citizens. Equipped with these skills, and a solid knowledge base of history, students will be prepared for college and careers—as well as solid citizenship.
Elementary
At the elementary level teachers provide lessons to students using the social studies/English language arts interdisciplinary curriculum provided by the Northern Putnam Westchester BOCES (PNW BOCES). In addition, we implement the Studies Weekly Program. Studies Weekly is a student-friendly program presented in a periodical format with a robust online learning platform. The curriculum is organized thematically and addresses the strands of civics and government, geography, economics, and history. As students use our inquiry-based activities, they become curious and excited about history.