Life at ICS

ICS’ Global Citizenship principles help students to challenge stereotypes and misinformation, make responsible decisions, respect multiple points of view and take action to make a positive change in the world. The Oxfam Education for Global Citizenship Curriculum and the Social Justice Standards from the Teaching Tolerance Anti-Bias Framework both serve as a guide for how we seek to develop our instructional world view. This is how we build the lens through which we and our students develop our concepts of identity, global community, and principles of justice and civic responsibility.  The principles outlined in these documents are present in our Responsive Classroom, Need in Deed, and Second Step programs, our celebration of Human Rights Month and Global Citizenship Day. Social Studies is the pivotal center where these programs and celebrations meet – through our curriculum we intentionally provide historical and social context to these school-wide practices.

All grades begin the year with an extensive geography unit. In grades K-5, students explore either one or two countries over the course of each school year. Students are exposed to what children their age experience in regions around the world. Students in grades 6-8 have four (4) Social Studies periods per week. Social Studies lessons, as well as lessons across the curriculum, are conducted through a global citizenship and social justice lens.

Since its inception, ICS has had a two language program model— (1) a Spanish Immersion language program and (2) an Enhanced Spanish language program. All students at ICS receive Spanish language instruction.

In our Spanish Immersion program, students are taught in Spanish for all core subject areas for about 85% of the school day in grades K-2. Arts/Science classes and English Language Arts classes are taught in English. Starting in grade 3, the percentage of Spanish Immersion instruction decreases to about 65% because students begin receiving more intensive English Language Arts instruction each day. In grades 4-5, total Immersion instruction is reduced to 45% of the day and decreases again to 30% in grades 6-8 as students begin taking more intensive math and science courses. Students who graduate from our Spanish Immersion program can typically test into upper level Spanish courses in high school and are comfortable and confident speaking Spanish fluently in everyday situations.

In our Spanish Enhanced program, students receive 30-45 minutes of Spanish language instruction 4-5 days per week, depending on their grade level. Students who graduate from our Spanish Enhanced program are typically ready to start with Spanish 2 in high school. In addition, there are 3 Spanish Lead Teachers who assist the Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal in coaching our Spanish teachers, improving our Spanish Language curriculum, and in identifying additional supports for students struggling with second language acquisition.

Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to teaching that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management, and developmental awareness. ICS uses Responsive Classroom to help create safe and joyful learning communities where students develop strong social and academic skills. By following the Responsive Classroom’s framework, students are encouraged to self-regulate. Community time provides space to reflect and have challenging conversations. Students have an opportunity to correct both academic and social mistakes and learn from them through test corrections and “fix-it” plans. The Responsive Classroom approach is associated with higher academic achievement in math and reading, improved school climate, and higher-quality instruction. Supported by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program.

ICS uses creative expression as a tool to explore self and relationship to the immediate community and the world. All students receive art, music, and dance/movement instruction in grades K–5.  A wide range of rotating electives is offered to middle school students. Examples include but are not limited to poetry, cooking, robotics, and graphic design.  In addition, ICS produces a musical each year, involving more than 80 students and offers an afterschool violin class to students in grades 3 and up.

ICS takes advantage of the major educational and cultural programs and facilities in the community such as Plays and Players Theater, Dancing Classrooms, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Barnes Museum, Kimmel Center, Rhythm Kids and Fleisher Art Memorial.