Academics

DCSD GVC	Timeless Teachings in a Changing World... Here at Larkspur Elementary we pride ourselves in creating curriculum based off of a solid foundation and individual student needs. Our curriculum foundation is built off, but not limited to the following programs and resources: GVC K-6 The Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) specifies what students need to know and be able to do. In the Douglas County School District, the GVC is a combination of World Class Outcomes based on standards, the 4 C's (communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity), 21st Century Skills and content. The GVC tells each grade-level teacher, student and parent the learning that is expected by the end of each school year or course. At Larkspur Elementary we start with DCSD's GVC to build our curriculum for our Bobcats!
	Eureka Math K-6 Eureka Math mathematics resources focus on exploring fewer topics in greater depth at each grade level. Content is organized using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, which structure instruction by providing multiple means of engaging students, representing content, and expressing and acting upon learning. Further, lesson plans strive to meet the rigor of the CCSS by balancing conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and the application of mathematics to real-world problems. To achieve this goal, Eureka Math lessons are presented in four-parts: Fluency Practice includes activities that develop proficiency, connect to prior learning, and preview new concepts. Concept Development provides core instruction in new concepts and skills, including step-by-step examples. Application Problems allow students to practice using problem sets that are related to the instruction provided in the Concept Development portion of the lesson. Student Debrief provides opportunities for students to discuss and share what they have learned. Debriefs close with an "exit ticket" -a short formative assessment of the day's learning as students leave the classroom. The Mathematical Practice Standards (MPS) are integrated throughout Eureka Math lessons, and teacher resources include comprehensive support to help teachers adapt to the new standards and integrate the practices in instruction. Other teacher resources include full-year scope and sequence materials (i.e., curriculum maps) that provide a detailed overview of instruction at each grade level, background in key content, rationale for the structure of instruction, and CCSS alignment documents.
	ReadyGen ReadyGEN is an integrated and well-balanced approach to reading and writing instruction for Grades K-6 classrooms. Authentic texts with modeling and teacher-directed activities drive learning and motivate readers. Students read authentic literary and informational texts. Instruction focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening in response to authentic texts.
	SuperKids K-2 The Superkids Reading Program builds skills systematically as children progress from kindergarten through second grade, creating confident readers. Decodable Text: As children learn new phonetic elements, they immediately apply these skills to engaging decodable literary and informational text. By second grade, children have learned the phonetic elements necessary to read text that isn't phonetically controlled. Integration: Superkids integrates reading, spelling, handwriting, grammar, and composition into one program. Motivation: Children love the engaging Superkids characters. Each character has a unique personality and interests. The Superkids stories capture the universal experiences of childhood.
	Leveled Literacy Intervention K-6 The Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention System (LLI) is a small-group, supplementary literacy intervention designed to help teachers provide powerful, daily, small-group instruction for the lowest achieving students at their grade level. Through systematically designed lessons and original, engaging leveled books, LLI supports learning in both reading and writing, helps students expand their knowledge of language and words and how they work. The goal of LLI is to bring students to grade level achievement in reading.
	Fundations K-3 Wilson Fundations makes learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for life-long literacy. Students in grades K-3receive a systematic program in critical foundational skills, emphasizing: Phonemic awareness, Phonics/ word study, High frequency word study, Reading fluency, Vocabulary, Comprehension strategies , Handwriting, Spelling Fundations serves as a prevention program to help reduce reading and spelling failure. It is integral to a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) or Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, providing research-based instruction in Tier 1as well as early intervention (Tier 2) for students at risk for reading difficulties. To support the implementation of an MTSS or RTI framework, progress monitoring is built into Fundations. This allows students requiring a more intensive program to be identified early before undergoing years of struggle.
	Thinking Maps K-6 Consistent vIsual patterns linked directly to 8 specific thought processes. By visualizing out thinking, we create concrete images of abstract thoughts. These patterns help all students reach higher levels of critical and creative thinking- essential components of 21st Century Education and provides consistent language for learning across Larkspur.

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 720-433-1083.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).