Academics
Academics at Advantage Academy begin with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and state-adopted curricular materials, including other instructional strategies that have been developed from research into brain-based learning. The distinctive difference between our academic program and that of other schools is our use of the Switch on Your Brain™ 5-Step Learning Process developed by Dr. Caroline Leaf. Advantage Academy has adopted and implemented Dr. Leaf’s, Switch On Your Brain™ 5-Step Learning Process at all campuses.
Our teachers have been personally trained on this brain-based classical approach to the classroom and teaching. Other curriculum used by the district is developed around the phonics program of ABeka Books for grades K-2 and the Shurley English program for ELA grades K-8. Through the ABeka Books program, students are introduced to reading through an orderly, logical phonics approach. Shurley English is a rigorous curriculum of grammar, writing, and literacy skills that provides students with a foundation for advanced skills in language arts.
Ongoing vertical and horizontal alignment of the curriculum includes implementation of the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards in high school courses, and appropriate adjustments in the K-8 curriculum to direct students through necessary preparation for the increasing academic demands. The curriculum is currently undergoing review, writing, and revisions to integrate all the above mentioned curricular components in the most seamless way possible and to adjust for the implementation of the State or Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).
The District also uses the following Academic Programs and/or Curriculum:
CTE Courses
Online High School courses including AP
Dual Credit with local colleges
Technology training for all grade levels
High School Bible elective
Character education using Character Counts, Character First and others
Community Service (required for all graduates)
Advantage Academy’s academic programs and curriculums are taught by TEA Rated Highly-Qualified teachers with 100% of our PreK-6th, 97.72% of our 7th-12th teachers rated as Highly-Qualified by the Texas Education Agency and the State of Texas.
*Metacog™ is a brain-friendly format for reinforcing and strengthening memories and stimulating thinking. Advantage Academy is creating annual Metacogs™ and content Metacog™ for each of the core subject areas (English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies). Essential information is presented to students in the form of the content Metacogs™, and understanding is facilitated through the continuous process of ask-answer-discuss led by the teacher. A high priority is placed on the active engagement of all students through the process. Literature, videos, software and traditional curricular materials are utilized for input and student application of learning. An end goal of the Switch on Your Brain™ 5-step process is meaningful, lasting learning that leads to the self-confidence and healthy attitudes that a person needs for success.
2011 NCLB Report Card
2010-2011 School Report Card
2011 AEIS Report
2012 Academic Excellence Indicator System – AEIS Report 2012
Accountablity Summary November 2011
CTE Non-discrimination Notice revised 040312
AYP Parent Letter August 2012
Freedom from Discrimination
Advantage Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title IV or the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, contact: Director of Human Resources (214-276-5800), Director of Special Education (Tel. 214-276-5800) 618 W. Wheatland Road, Duncanville, TX 75116
