Core Curriculum in Our Schools

Our core academic curriculum is built on the following truths about learning:

• Reading is Thinking
• Writing is Decision-Making
• Math is Problem-Solving
• Learning is Doing

To ensure these ideals are embedded in daily teaching and learning, the Flat Rock Community School District is a "workshop district" K-8. The workshop model allows a structured, comprehensive approach to learning that nurtures understanding, builds on foundational skills, and provides customized learning for all students.  Find out more about the workshop model in our literacy and mathematics curricula.

21st Century (Future Ready) Learning in Our Schools
Flat Rock Community Schools is committed to helping our students develop the college and career readiness skills they will need to find success beyond our District. Given our challenges, we will need to innovate our approaches, find efficiencies where possible, and support the ongoing efforts of our teachers and administrators to embrace 21st century learning.  To this end, the District partnered with MDE as we prepared for online assessments by way of the Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant (TRIG) and federal E-Rate activities supporting affordable broadband connections. As we address the demand for digital literacy in the 21st century, classrooms are integrating Digital learning tools as a vehicle for instruction. Digital conversion and green school efforts are reducing waste and energy consumption to realize financial efficiencies and protect our environment.

Early Literacy Initiative
The Early Literacy Initiative is a core component of supporting the implementation of College and Career Ready standards in Michigan.  Research shows that if students are not proficient in reading by third grade, their chances of becoming proficient are minimal. Flat Rock Community Schools supports our students as we focus on increasing their early literacy skills.  As we work toward the use of the Essential Instructional Practices for Early Literacy teachers will  hone their craft to support learning. In addition we are giving students the research-supported diagnostic and screening instruments, instruction, and interventions necessary for success.

Response to Intervention in Our Schools
The goal of Response to Intervention (RtI) is to improve student learning through a collegial, team-based process. RtI validates ‘good teaching’ methods while providing for a sharing of more ideas to yield success. The RtI process results in a consistent problem-solving approach for struggling students. Intervention plans are developed around a three tiered-approach. Find out more about our approach to RtI in the District.

Professional Development in Our Schools
Job-embedded instructional coaching will be the primary mechanism for professional development in the District at the K-8 level. Instructional coaching allows teachers to bridge knowledge gathered in workshops and professional readings to classroom application. Find out more about instructional coaching in the District.

 Academic Resources

The Parents’ Guide to Student Success was developed by teachers, parents and education experts in response to the State Standards that more than 45 states have adopted. Created for grades K-8 and high school English, language arts/literacy and mathematics, the guides provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in order to be prepared for college and career.