Academics
Computers
Through a Lenfest grant and a donation from SmithKline, ICS has 190 laptop computers that are used as a mobile computer lab for math tutoring and second language acquisition. Currently there are two computers in every classroom and a computer lab with 28 desktops where all students receive weekly computer instruction.
Computer instruction begins in 1st grade, with grades 1-4 attending weekly computer classes for half of the school year. This instruction steadily increases, with our upper grades receiving computer instruction twice a week for the entire school year. Our computer instruction follows guidelines from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In keeping with the mission of Independence Charter School, the computer science curriculum incorporates the lessons that students are learning in their social studies classes. Our computer science teacher works closely with classroom teachers and, for middle school, the social studies teacher, to create lessons that build on the instruction these teachers are providing, as well as to help students make real-world connections to their social studies content. Students can, for example, learn to use Microsoft PowerPoint to create slide shows about ancient Egypt. Likewise, they can learn to research information about the American Revolution using Internet search engines like Google.
General computer goals:
- Learn basic functions of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher)
- Become comfortable navigating the Internet for research purposes
- Develop typing skills using Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
- Learn basic web page creation skills
