Curriculum & Instruction

Dr. Christina Torres
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
Mt. Pleasant Cottage School UFSD
1075 Broadway, Pleasantville, N.Y. 10570
ctorres@mpcsny.org
(914) 769-0456

The district understands the importance of a rigorous curriculum and that our high school students require a wide range of curricular options as our foundational approach to educating the whole child.

Ongoing Assessment to Drive Instruction: 

In accordance with state requirements for regular benchmark assessments, we use iReady three times each year to determine student baselines in the Fall, gauge progress in the Winter, and evaluate cumulative learning in the Spring. We also subscribe to the intuitive modules for skill practice and development, tailored to their needs based on benchmark results. Teachers use the data collected on student progress to inform their instructional planning and differentiation. 

Literacy Intervention and Across the Curriculum:

We offer intense literacy instruction through programs like Fountas and Pinnell and N2Y Unique. Each allows us to track progress and identify areas of deficit through data collection and address them for each student individually. Our teachers participate in regular training in literacy and differentiation practices in order to maintain the latest, research-based approaches for students with disabilities. Also, we work with a cross-curricular, theme-based model which allows for the reiteration of concepts throughout the various content areas. 

Differentiation for our Unique Learners (Alternately Assessed Students):

Our middle and high school curricula focus on differentiated instruction based on state grade-level standards. We offer a host of curricula targeting life, work, and transition skills for our developmentally limited populations. These include Attainment and N2Y. Teachers use student progress data to guide their instructional planning and delivery. 

Differentiation for our Unique Learners (Standardized Assessed Students):

We implement a living curriculum based on personalized units of study that are adjusted each year based on teacher and student feedback. In addition, given our rolling admission throughout the year, teachers are given the flexibility to make further adjustments to the curriculum based on student needs, and working in connection with the administration to ensure alignment with state standards are maintained. As a result, teachers are able to make curricular shifts in real time to meet the needs and interests of students, even as classes evolve with enrollment throughout the year.

Our goal with the curriculum is to ensure that every student gets the exposure and opportunity to practice the essential skills to transition successfully to post-secondary education, training, or employment.