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We Discover How Each Child Learns Best

Individual Learning Profile

How does your student learn best? Each student at AAU has the opportunity to take a learning profile. The profiler helps students to identify their learning style, expression preference, and areas of interest. Once the survey is complete, a profile generates that students and teachers use to guide their selection of enrichment clusters and SEM expression projects.

The Learning Profile helps us to customize and enrich the education for each child. Doors are opened for them to  show us what they can do according to their strengths  such as  a dramatic reenactment, diorama, book report, or powerpoint presentation. 

Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM)

Students at Ascent Academies of Utah (AAU) participate in Type I introductory enrichment activities such as speakers, presentations, and videos, and Type II, project-based activities designed to enhance student’s critical and creative problem-solving skills.

AAU network of schools combines the Schoolwide Enrichment Model’s (SEM) research-based strategies and instructional methods aligned to the Utah Core Standards to provide students throughout the network with engaging learning opportunities; this network of schools was explicitly designed to:

  • Create opportunities for students to pursue questions of personal interest to them (SEM).
  • Create an environment where teachers have the training and experience to deliver AAU’s academic program, to help students find resources and mentors, to find audiences and outlets, and to help students focus their abilities on solving problems in areas that have personal relevance to the student.  This learning environment will be created and supported through targeted professional development, cross-campus professional collaboration, and ongoing training/support (professional learning communities); and
  • Provide information (context) and thinking processes in an integrated, inductive, and real-problem-oriented manner.

It is the unique combination of SEM and active professional learning communities that sets AAU apart from other schools. SEM recognizes the need for high academic standards, equity in education, and strategies and content that promote learning for all students.

AAU’s academic program is grounded in the following elements:

  • Research-based;
  • Standards outlined and aligned to the Utah Core in each specific content area;
  • Materials are available to students and parents in both electronic and written formats; and
  • Supplemental resources support a tiered model of instruction with interventions outlined for each specific tier.

Learn more about (SEM) on our Policies & Procedures page.

School Model

  • Students learn best when they are engaged in activities that expand their interest and build on their talents.
  • Multiple campuses with similar programs enhance student outreach, special education programs, the effectiveness of high-quality teachers, teacher and director professional development, and peer interaction through technology (for both students and staff)
  • Parent involvement in identifying student interests and supporting the school community is vital to a successful learning environment.

Guided Reading & Literature Study

Ascent Academies of Utah is excited for our students to engage in guided reading or literature study at their developmental reading level. Students will learn to use purposeful reading to support their thinking, deepen comprehension, improve vocabulary, and develop fluency. Students are exposed to many different genres including nonfiction and expository texts, biographies, folktales, historical fiction, and narrative fiction. Teachers will choose books and develop lessons using Benchmark Advance and Novel-Ties. Additionally, students in grades K-6 have access to online, leveled reading programs.

Writing, Spelling & Word Study

All AAU students will engage in writing throughout the curriculum. Teachers utilize the explicit instruction provided by Benchmark Advance that includes integrated reading, writing, speaking, spelling, grammar, and listening instruction. Four Square Writing Methods are also utilized to help students become proficient readers, writers, and spellers.

Science

Kindergarten thru 9th-grade students at Ascent Academies of Utah will enjoy hands-on science lessons selected by their teacher and aligned with Utah’s core curriculum. Using Science A-Z, Mystery Science, Generation Genius and other research-based curriculum teachers create rich and powerful science lessons while also having the ability to assign science reading material based on the student’s developmental reading level.

AAU secondary teachers develop engaging, hands-on science lessons using resources provided through the Utah State Office of Education and the use of Science Explorer.

History & Geography

Lessons in history and geography align to the Utah Core Standards and often include field trips, role-playing, and hands-on learning. In addition, students in grades 4th and 7th participate in Utah Studies supported by the 7th grade Utah Journey and the 4th grade Utah, Our Home programs.

Math

Ascent Academies of Utah teachers will use Eureka Math as our core math program for grades K-8. 9th Grade utilizes MVP. Eureka and MVP’s math program was developed with strict adherence to the core state standards to ensure students develop the foundations and mathematical rigor required by the Utah Core Mathematics Standards. Additionally, Eureka and MVP math provide teachers with the scaffolding necessary to meet the needs of English Language Learners, Students with Disabilities, Students Performing above Grade Level, and Students Performing below Grade Level.

Students in grades 1st – 6th will spend approximately 90-minutes each day in math instruction including fluency practice, teacher-directed instruction, guided practice, independent practice, and student debriefing which invites reflection and active processing of the learning experience. Our 7th – 9th-grade students will attend class on an A/B Block schedule and will attend math class daily on BOTH A and B days.

Homework will align 100% with the problem sets students practiced in class. Homework will also be available on Canvas for parents to download just in case your student misplaced his or her homework worksheet. Additionally, teachers will be able to post instructional help in Canvas for students to review at home.

To supplement our core math program teachers will utilize Differentiated Math Exemplars which allow students to work on real-world math tasks in collaborative groups based on their level of math skill.

Accelerated math students in grades 3-9 (performing at two or more grades above their current grade level) will have access to an online math program that allows students to work independently and at their own pace to acquire new math skills (although with teacher oversight). Students are selected for this program based on teacher recommendation and test data.


Patriotic, Civic & Character Education

Ascent Academies of Utah will promote student character education to reaffirm values and qualities of character which promote an upright and desirable citizenry. The civic education will help cultivate informed students, encourage responsible participation in political life, and promote the fundamental values and principles of representative democracy in Utah and the United States.

We will teach patriotic education as part of the social studies curricula. Examples of civic education include:

  • History of the flag, etiquette, customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag, and other patriotic exercises;
  • Role modeling patriotic values associated with the flag;
  • Forms of government; and
  • The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Exemptions to civic education are outlined under Utah Rule.