LUMIN Schools Network Model
We are a Christ-centered, people-first network of schools. The well-being of our students is at the center of every decision we make. We preach the importance of continuous self-improvement, and that applies to students and staff alike. We are always striving to be better in mind, body and soul.
While we recognize each of our seven campuses is unique, LUMIN has developed a tried and true model implemented at each school. We have academic, spiritual and character-development programs in place that together make up what we call the LUMIN model. We invite you to learn more about the way this model works
We offer top-rated, nationally-recognized curriculum in all LUMIN Schools; however, we know even the best curriculum is nearly worthless without a great teacher to implement it. With this in mind, we do everything in our power to hire, train and develop the best teachers because we know they are the change-makers in the classroom. That's our commitment to our students.
Here is the curriculum we offer in classrooms, led by truly talented and inspiring teachers. Note, we are a standards-aligned school network, meaning every piece of content we put in front of students is aligned to Common Core Standards.
MATH
ZEARN Math (grades K5-6)
According to the ZEARN Math website, " Zearn Math is a uniquely integrated approach to math teaching and learning, connecting a rigorous curriculum with a cohesive classroom system, professional development based on pedagogical content, and actionable reports on student learning."
Why we love it at LUMIN Schools
ZEARN Math is a blended model, which means there is a teacher-led lesson and an online lesson covering similar material. As a result, students get a double dose of instruction with two different delivery methods. Every lesson is grade level material. While students are doing the online portion of the lesson, teachers can track real-time understanding for each student, and provide additional coaching specialized instruction on a one-on-one bases when needed.
ALEKS and Engage New York (grades 7-8)
According to the ALEKS website, "Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. ALEKS courses are very complete in their topic coverage and ALEKS avoids multiple-choice questions. A student who shows a high level of mastery of an ALEKS course will be successful in the actual course she is taking."
Why we love it at LUMIN Schools
ALEKS is a great tool to use in support of what teachers are teaching in class. Teachers can use metrics from each student's online lessons to determine the level of understanding on an individual basis. Teachers can then provide additional help to those who need it, or provide more challenging material to those who are excelling. ALEKS is adaptive, adjusts based on each student's level of understanding. This is especially valuable in classrooms where students have a broad range of math achievement. For the teacher-led portion of each lesson, LUMIN teachers also use Engage NY.
LITERACY
Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) is a top early literacy curriculum based on the Science of Reading. It combines knowledge-building, a robust online platform, and research-based foundational skills to help educators develop strong readers, writers, and thinkers. The Amplify CKLA K–5 literacy curriculum provides students with a wealth of knowledge that is purposefully designed to spark curiosity and achieve meaningful outcomes. Amplify CKLA is one of the few curricula acknowledged by the Knowledge Matters Campaign for its excellence in intentionally building knowledge. It has also received all-green ratings on EdReports, achieving top scores across all gateways.
Why we love it at LUMIN Schools
Amplify CKLA is an exceptional curriculum that integrates knowledge-building with foundational literacy skills. Its structured approach ensures that students not only learn to read but also gain a deep understanding of the content. The program's design, which includes both an online platform and teacher-led instruction, provides a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. This blend of instructional methods and the focus on developing strong readers, writers, and thinkers align perfectly with our goals at LUMIN Schools, making it an invaluable resource in our classrooms.
Reading Reconsidered
5th-8th grade
This curriculum is grounded in science, emphasizing that background knowledge is as crucial to reading comprehension as reading skills. It integrates knowledge from various subjects, like history and science, to create a strong foundation for understanding and analyzing texts. The curriculum includes explicit vocabulary instruction to enhance word knowledge and comprehension, with a focus on both explicit and implicit vocabulary teaching methods. Additionally, Writing is a central component, with students engaging in writing exercises. These tasks help students develop their thinking, refine their sentence-level writing skills, and form well-supported arguments.
The curriculum centers lessons around specific texts. It allows for flexibility, enabling schools or teachers to select from a range of texts to create a customized scope and sequence. The program also emphasizes building a culture of reading through various approaches, including independent reading, shared read-aloud sessions, and teacher-led read-alouds. These activities foster a love for reading and help students see it as a relevant and enjoyable activity.
Why we love it at LUMIN Schools
We love this curriculum at LUMIN Schools because it blends comprehensive knowledge-building with essential reading skills, creating a well-rounded educational experience. By integrating subjects like history and science, it not only enhances students' comprehension but also deepens their understanding of key concepts. The explicit vocabulary instruction ensures that students develop a rich vocabulary, aiding in both reading comprehension and overall communication skills.
The curriculum's strong emphasis on writing is also valuable, as it encourages students to think critically and articulate their thoughts clearly. Through formative, developmental, and summative writing exercises, students refine their writing abilities and learn to construct well-supported arguments.
Its modular and book-based structure allows us to tailor the curriculum to meet our specific needs, choosing from a variety of outstanding texts. This flexibility helps us craft a unique and engaging learning experience for our students. Additionally, the focus on building a culture of reading through various methods, such as shared read-aloud sessions, fosters a love for literature and reading within our community. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with our educational goals at LUMIN Schools, making it an invaluable asset to our classrooms.
SCIENCE
In K4 through 5th grade, science is all about deepening non-fiction reading and writing skills. Students learn facts through research projects, but they also work on sharing information and expressing ideas through writing and presenting.
Mystery Science (grades K4-5)
As described on the Mystery Science website, "Every lesson begins with a Mystery that hooks students which is then followed by a narrated story told with stunning images and videos that prompt class discussions. Every lesson concludes with simple hands-on activities)."
Why we love it at LUMIN Schools
Our students are captivated by the vivid stories that introduce each scientific topic. Having a mystery component in each lesson is intriguing for students and gets them excited about the subject matter.
Project Lead the Way: Medical Detectives (Grades 6-8)
The Project Lead the Way website describes the curriculum this way. "Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks.
Why we love it at LUMIN Schools
LUMIN Schools are in the early phases of using Medical Detectives. Our staff and students are drawn to this curriculum because it is hands-on, meaning they are learning by doing. Using resources actually used in the medical field, our scholars become critical-thinkers and problem-solvers In addition this curriculum gives youth a window into science and medical-based career fields.
We believe character formation is just as important as academics. Even the smartest among us will struggle in life without strong character. A school culture built on strong character means students feel safe to be themselves and participate in the learning process without fear of peer ridicule and judgement. A strong culture also means fewer classroom disruptions and more learning time.
