Core Curriculum

English Language Arts

DJJ require students to gain, evaluate, and present increasingly complex information, ideas, and evidence through listening and speaking. The standards recognize students must be able to use formal English in their writing and speaking, and they must be able to make informed, skillful choices among the many ways to express themselves through language. It is important to note the impact of the standards on classroom instruction: building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction; reading, writing and speaking grounded in evidence from the text, both literary and informational; and regular practice with complex text and its academic language.

Mathematics

DJJ affords students the opportunity to achieve a balance among concepts, skills, and problem solving outlined in the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for Mathematics. Teachers are trained to stress rigorous concept development and real-world applications while maintaining a strong emphasis on computational and procedural skills. In all grades, teachers develop lesson plans that encourage students to reason mathematically, to evaluate mathematical arguments both formally and informally, to use the language of mathematics to communicate ideas and information precisely and to make connections among mathematical topics and to other disciplines.

Science

DJJ equips students with foundational knowledge and skills to develop proficiency in science. Students are taught to acquire an understanding of both the characteristics of science and its content. In addition, students are taught to engage in three-dimensional learning as they work to explain natural phenomena. Standards are presented as co-requisites incorporating hands-on, student-centered, and inquiry-based approaches (gadoe.org). Teachers stress rigorous concept developments and real-world applications.

Social Studies

DJJ provides a balanced and effective social studies program which prepares students to be active, informed, and responsible citizens. Social studies increases students’ awareness and consciousness of the world giving them fundamental understandings of life. Students gain knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that enable them to be effective problem-solvers, good decision-makers and wise planners. The Social Studies Frameworks provide one way teachers might organize and teach the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) within units. Units and frameworks align to connecting themes and enduring understandings that transcend units and courses. Ultimately, the enduring understandings are what students will take from a course that applies to life beyond school. All units and frameworks are designed to promote inquiry.