Curriculum & Instruction

The California Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards:

In all REAL Journey Academy Schools we align our curriculum to the California Department of Education adopted Common Core Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which clearly define what students should know and be able to do in each subject at each grade.  In California, our State Board of Education decides on the standards for all students from kindergarten through high school.  Since 2010 states across the nation have adopted the CCSS in English and Math, and the NGSS in science.  Having the same standards helps all students get a high quality education even if they change schools or move to a different state.  

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is designed to annually assess student progress in meeting college readiness standards aligned to the CCSS & NGSS.  

The California adopted standards in English Language Arts/Literacy are FOUND HERE.  

The California adopted standards in Math are FOUND HERE  

The California adopted standards in Science are FOUND HERE.

Curriculum:

REAL Journey Academies teachers use a variety of curricula for their daily instruction to meet the diverse needs of students in our school.

Curriculum Materials:

REAL Journey Academies teachers use a variety of curricula for their daily instruction to meet the diverse needs of our communities. We pride ourselves on bringing a rigorous and relevant curriculum to our students.

English Language Arts

• Success for All Reading Edge (6-8)
• Step Up to Writing

Mathematics 

• Swun Math (6 - 8)

Science 

• STEMscopes California (6 - 8) 

Social Studies 

• Studies Weekly (6 - 8)

Academic Supports:

REAL Journey Academies provides comprehensive academic support and intervention:

• We offer a full-range of Special Education support onsite and through our authorized partners. 
• We offer a full-range of English Learner supports onsite
• We transparently assess student progress:
  • All students in grades 6-8 are assessed three times a year using NWEA, a research-based assessment that measures growth and proficiency and provides insight to help tailor instruction in Mathematics, Language Arts and Science. 
  • All students in grades 6-8 are assessed three times a year using an internal writing assessment to measure growth and proficiency, and provide insight to help tailor instruction in writing.
  • Data from all assessments informs the instruction in core areas

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS):

The RJA Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) ensures student support services are embedded as central components of our program of study while addressing any unique needs individual students (academic and/or socio-emotional learning supports) need to ensure equity of access and opportunity for success.  As part of our MTSS system we have developed an “early warning” system to ensure we are quickly identifying students who need academic and socio-emotional support.  For example, we are very purposeful tracking each student’s Behavior, Attendance & Grades (BAG Reports) every two weeks to ensure students in need are referred to our MTSS supports.  Knowing the significant research tying success in the freshmen year to on-time high school graduation, we place additional supports in place to ensure freshmen are successful. 

English Learner Programs:

• Integrated ELD 6 - 8 in all classes
• Designated ELD for 6 - 8 daily

English Learner Curricular Program:

Students receive daily support in acquiring English as a second language. The English Learning program focuses on 4 domains: Reading, Speaking, Listening, Writing. Each week focuses on strategies for building vocabulary, conversational language, listening strategies and support in developing writing skills.