Instructional Model

Students in Kindergarten have three classrooms where a parallel teaching model is utilized. This means that your child is receiving instruction from two licensed teachers during reading/language arts and mathematics instruction.

SENSE teachers instruct students using the Direct Instruction Model for explicit teaching that emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. Students receive a mini-lesson whole-group where the teacher presents material on a specific skill. The students then break off into small groups practicing material with peers, and finally complete the task independently demonstrating personal mastery of the standard. This approach allows students time to practice and process before being assessed.

SENSE Charter School uses the Indiana State Standards to guide instruction supported with the following programs:

Reading

• Grades K-5 - Amplify CKLA
• Grades 6-8 - Amplify ELA
• Grades K-3 - Acadience Reading Assessments
• Grades K-8 - Amplify Boost Reading and Close Reading

Remedial Programs

• Grades K-3 - Orton Gillingham 
• Grades K-3 - Heggerty
• Grades 3-8 - Word Connections 
• Grades K-8 - After-School Tutoring
• Grades K-8 - In-School Tutoring
• Grade 3 - ReadUP

Math

• Grades K-8 - Ready Math
• Grades K-8 - I-Ready Math Diagnostic and Prescriptive Learning
• Grades K-8 - Math Spiral Review

One class per grade level or cluster of students is reserved for students who have a high ability in their academic work. These classrooms use the same Direct Instruction Model, but dive in deeper to the content through project-based learning. These students are encouraged to think "outside the box" on ways to apply the skills being taught in the classroom.

All students at SENSE Charter School are eligible for Title I services. This means that there are additional teachers in the classrooms providing support to all students so that each individual student is able to reach his/her maximum potential.

Title I Interventionist Support

Students in 1st through 5th grade have a trained interventionist that will support each classroom during reading and math instruction. Interventionists will also pull out of the classroom for tier III to support students in small group instruction. 

SENSE provides ENL (English as a New Language) services to students who are new to our country or do not speak English in their homes. Students are provided small group support to help gain a stronger ability of reading, speaking, and listening to the English language while maintaining proficiency of their home language.