Harmony Educational Model​

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Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
 

Harmony has a school model that is rigorous (prepares students for higher education), relevant (reinforces lifelong learning skills), and underpinned by a tight web of relationships (a strong culture reinforced by teachers and parents). Harmony Curriculum is built using the Backward Design model and is aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (STAAR). 

Harmony Instructional Framework is built on the principles of Danielson’s Framework for Teaching and has five essential components. These are 1) Setting instructional outcomes 2) Managing classroom procedures 3) Using questioning/prompts and discussion 4) Engaging students in learning and 5) Using assessment in instruction.
 

Harmony has multifaceted assessment modules such as diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment tools to track student progress. This is a continuous process that occurs in classes on a daily basis with the use of the Harmony Instructional Framework and year-round with criterion-referenced and norm-referenced tests in core subjects (Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies) from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Harmony uses adaptive educational software as part of its blended learning approach, which allows for personalized assessment and learning. Harmony also thrives on using authentic assessment tools in all subjects.

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Professional Development

 

Harmony’s professional development model is built around a deep knowledge of content and how to teach that content using the Harmony Instructional Framework. The professional development (PD) modules are subject-specific and provide links between curriculum, assessment, instruction, and professional learning in the context of teaching specific content, be it math, English language arts, science, or social studies. The modules focus on sustained learning throughout the year (8 days of in-service before school and 4 days of in-service throughout the year).

 

Harmony boasts of working with curriculum and PD teams to build and revise the curriculum documents and design PD sessions around these documents. This collaborative culture provides teachers with opportunities to learn in a supportive community that organizes curriculum and PD across grade levels and subjects.

 

Harmony values receiving consulting and training from professional organizations and institutions for purposes of new learning, training, and evaluation. Harmony curriculum teams analyze the content and strategies received and integrate these into current programs and design professional development sessions specific to Harmony’s needs.

 

Harmony has a PD model structured around the training of the trainer. Harmony encourages its teachers to take leadership roles as trainers. The system utilizes several local instructional leaders including cluster coaches, campus department chairs, and mentor teachers who work in collaboration with the Assistant Principal for Academics and the Principal.

 

Harmony supports and provides funds for teachers to receive continuing education in the form of pursuing graduate studies, attending national conferences, and partaking in professional organizations as members.

 

Blended Learning

 

Harmony has created a 1-1 technology environment where every student has access to a digital device (Chromebook, tablet, laptop, etc.) for any time anywhere learning. Students use these tech devices for at least 2-3 hours a day for blended learning and project-based learning activities. In blended learning environments, students use adaptive learning technologies to enhance their math and reading skills. These programs built on artificial intelligence and adaptive algorithms cater the level and the difficulty of the lessons and learning objectives to the unique profile of each student, which allows them to progress at their own accelerated pace. Teachers leverage the power of technology to create flexible student groups and provide either remediation or enrichment in small groups when needed.

 

Harmony students and teachers are avid users of the World Wide Web and social media. Students use their tech devices to curate digital learning artifacts when they work on projects in other core subject areas and STEM courses. The Share-and-Shine approach allows students and teachers to collaboratively create multimedia products using technology and publish their work online.

 

In addition to the learning technologies described above, all Harmony classrooms are equipped with projectors so that teachers can take advantage of visual learning and teaching approaches in the classroom. Furthermore, many classrooms are also equipped with SmartBoard technologies to create more interactive classrooms.

 

Harmony provides both onboarding and ongoing professional development and training opportunities for teachers to make sure all teachers are adequately capable of using available tech tools and helping our students leverage the power of technology to elevate learning across all classrooms. The professional development at Harmony is also customized to the varying needs and proficiency levels of our teachers.