At Skycrest, our teachers are dedicated to the success of every student.  The curriculum at our school is based on the Florida B.E.S.T Standards.  On February 12, 2020, the state’s Department of Education adopted the Florida Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards, a new system for measuring student development. These rigorous standards, which heavily focus on mathematics and English language arts skills, are designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond.  For more information visit:  https://www.fldoe.org/standardsreview/.

Reading & Writing Program:

The Pinellas County Reading and Language Arts core instructional design incorporates the integration of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Instruction is centered around the Science of Reading integrated UFLI.  Teachers provide literacy instruction based on the Florida’s Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards to build knowledge-rich curricula that will nurture students by immersing them in the study of great works of literature, history, and the arts. These standards emphasize that literacy is not achievable merely through a skills-based approach to reading comprehension. During the Language Arts block, students engage in authentic literature, including titles from the B.E.S.T. and Civics suggested reading lists.  Students build strength and stamina in writing by creating writing over both short- and long-periods of time about a variety of topics and texts. Students will engage in various writing instruction centered around the three types of writing: narrative, expository, and opinion/argumentative. Additionally, they will learn elaboration techniques, grammar, and the revising and editing process to become well-rounded authors.

Language Arts Daily Components:

• Word Study -  Explicit and meaningful instruction in phonics and other principles of how words are constructed.

• Close-In Study of Grade Level Complex Text – Teachers read text aloud, share the reading, and use multi-media to engage students in the reading and rereading of grade level text.

• Explicit Reading Instruction – Students are taught reading skills and strategies and given the chance to apply those skills and strategies in many ways:  independent practice, with the guidance of the teacher, practice with peers, and through reflection.

• Explicit Writing Instruction – Students are taught critical writing skills and given time to practice those skills independently, with the guidance of the teacher, and with their peers.

• Vocabulary Instruction – Academic and domain-specific vocabulary words are taught in the context of reading and writing. 

K-12 reading instruction aligns with Florida's Revised Formula for Success.

Skycrest utilizes many reading programs such as:  UFLI and Nemours.  Students also gain reading skills by the computer program IStation.

Social Studies is integrated into the reading and writing lessons.

   Math Program:  

Elementary Mathematics Grades K-5 uses the textbook series FL Reveal Math, McGraw Hill.  Learn more at https://www.mheducation.com/.. In addition, teachers have various supplemental materials that are aligned to the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics and used for planning and delivering instruction that meets the diverse needs of every child.

    Science Program: