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Our Teaching Pillars
Our instruction methods were created by our founder Gwyneth Wallace, who has over thirty years of teaching experience. Student autonomy and family relationships are integral to a quality, child-driven program. We will work together to create a robust and enjoyable program for your student to foster a genuine love of learning.
Differentiated & Child centered Approach
Differentiated learning is an approach where all students have access to the same learning, and teachers tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs, interests, and learning styles of students. It involves adjusting content, teaching methods, and assessments to ensure that all students can engage with the material and succeed, regardless of their individual abilities or specific grade levels. Rather then pulling a student out of general learning for support, the delivery methods of the learning are targeting to meet the student where they are.
Standards Based Learning
We use the National Common Core Standard to guide the creation of an individualized program for every student. Standards-based learning (SBL) offers several key advantages. First, it provides clear learning goals, helping students understand exactly what is expected. This clarity supports personalized learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace and ensuring they master key concepts before moving forward. Additionally, SBL promotes consistent and transparent assessment, where evaluations are based on showing understanding of standards rather than overall grade, tests or subjective factors. Students are better prepared for future academic world applications. Overall, SBL encourages a more individualized program where students can take real ownership of their learning.
Performance Based Assessments
Performance-based assessments are evaluations where students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by performing tasks or creating products rather than just answering traditional test questions. These assessments focus on how well students can apply what they've learned in real-world or simulated scenarios. Examples include projects, presentations, experiments, or portfolios that showcase students' abilities to solve problems, think critically, and apply concepts in practical settings.
Community Focused Lessons
Community-based lessons involve integrating local community resources, issues, and experiences into the curriculum. These lessons connect classroom learning to real-world contexts by engaging students in projects, field trips, or partnerships with local organizations. The goal is to make learning more relevant, foster civic responsibility, and strengthen the link between students and their communities.
Project Based learning
Project-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach where students actively engage in real-world projects to solve problems or answer complex questions. Instead of traditional lectures, students work on a project over an extended period, collaborating, researching, and applying their knowledge to create a final product or presentation. PBL emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and the application of skills in practical, meaningful contexts.
Universal Learning by Design
At Hale Kula, the teacher and student work collaboratively so each student find their path to knowledge. Using the tenets of Universal Design for Learning, which ensures equitable access to all materials, experiences and learning for all students. This formula scaffolds students to enter their learning journey ready to be partners in their learning. Students acquire the learning skills they need to succeed in school and life. We are committed to creating a nurturing, challenging, and supportive community that embraces and celebrates diversity.
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