The philosophy of HighMark Charter School is to build a solid foundation in business education and provide a stepping-stone to successful careers that will encourage critical thinking and reflective approaches to learning.
HighMark Charter School has established the following four foundational philosophy stepping-stones of teaching and learning that will provide administration, teachers and students the framework to meet the mission of HighMark Charter School.
-Interest and explanation-Appropriate assessment and feedback-Clear goals and intellectual challenge-Independence, control and active engagement
HighMark Charter School (HMCS) is subject to all Utah requirements as they relate to the Core Curriculum. The curriculum course offerings align with the Utah State Core Curriculum, Utah Common Core, and UCAS tests. The curriculum incorporates the Utah State Core Curriculum used by Davis School District. HMCS will utilize including, but not limited to: Curriculum Based Assessments, State Required Assessments, Computer Generated Assessments, and Performance Rubrics developed by the school.
HighMark Charter School will integrate into the core curriculum business skills, ethics, and practices by focusing on four areas of business: Sales and Marketing, Management and Leadership, Finance and Economy, and Entrepreneurship. These four areas will give HighMark Charter School a foundation for integration but will not limit curriculum adaptation and integration as the world of business changes in our global economy. To make sure our students have a solid grounding in economic, personal finance, and entrepreneurship concepts we will use a variety of activities, some of which might include simulations and projects in the classroom, hands on experiences outside of the classroom, and guest speakers.
In grades K-6, students will participate in Junior Achievement program will participate in monthly 7 habits lessons, and participate in creating a business and selling at our Lemonade Day Event. Our Jr. High Students will have Quarterly Capstones to complete. Students in 7th grade will learn what it means to be a good employee by participating in a Job Shadow and then having the opportunity to apply for a job at the Winter Carnival and working. HighMark Charter School will provide an opportunity for students in 8th grade will display acquired business skills through participation in yearly Entrepreneurial Fairs. They will create a company, develop a product or service, market and sell their product or service, and then exhibit their experience during the Entrepreneurial Fair. Students may work in groups or individually. Our 9th graders will learn about non-profits and volunteer at Gigi's Playhouse to give back to the community as part of our entrepreneurial cycle. They will also have the opportunity to create a resume and participate in mock-interviews to prepare them for the real world. Each grade will have different requirements according to their level of business knowledge and understanding.
HighMark Charter School will use only research-based curriculum that aligns with the Utah State Core to best meet the needs of our student population. This curriculum will include Houghton Mifflin Journeys for K-6 and Holt, Rinehart and Winston 7-9 for Language Arts. Glenco Math/MyMath will be used for the math curriculum for grades K-9.
Reading and Math instruction will occur in both grade level and ability leveled groups. Students may work together in mixed ability-level groups to teach and learn from one another. Students will have the opportunity to group in curriculum areas such as math and reading. This process will provide students with the opportunity to learn together, build self-confidence, and master skills. Teachers may work together on grade-level instructional teams in order to address all learning styles and abilities.
USOE’s reading and math model using tiered instruction will be used. In addition, those students needing extended/enhanced instruction will have the ability to be in higher grade level groups. Tier 1 instruction, or general instruction in Core subjects, will be given to all students. Some students will participate in Tier 2 instruction, which is early intervention instruction for students identified as needing extra support in specific academic areas. Tier 3 instruction will be provided to students needing a more intensive intervention. Tier 2 and Tier 3 students will be identified using a combination of screening, diagnostic, benchmark, and progress monitoring assessments such as curriculum based assessments, UPASS assessments, and teacher observation
