Academics

Woodbury Leadership Academy uses the research-based, academically rigorous Core Knowledge Sequence to ensure that students meet and exceed the Minnesota Academic Standards. Core Knowledge is a solid, sequential, and specific curriculum, based on the principles of establishing a national cultural literacy, or broad common knowledge base.

Core knowledge language arts.png How WLA Fosters Academic Success:

  • Rigorous content organized by "Domains of Study"
  • High expectations
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Complementing knowledge and skills
  • Family & community involvement
  • Cross-curricular connections
  • Specialist classes, including: Music, P.E., Art & Leadership

Many educators believe that schools are good at teaching and testing facts, but that students are not prepared to apply those facts to solving problems. Core Knowledge believes that for students to solve meaningful problems, they must first be supplied with knowledge about the domain of study. Skills and knowledge should complement each other.

The subject matter covered in Core Knowledge Sequence is rigorous. Students are exposed to multiple "Domains of Study" and content-rich vocabulary. Additionally, students are expected to move at a fast pace, as there are many "Domains of Study" in each grade level that must be covered. For students to be successful in this rigorous environment, families must be involved in their child's education.

First Grade Domains of Study

Core Knowledge History and Geography (CKHG) 

(1) Continents, Countries and Maps

(2) Mesopotamia

(3) Ancient Egypt

(4) Three World Religions

(5) Early Civilizations of the Americas

(6) The Culture of Mexico

(7) Early Explorers and Settlers

(8) From Colonies to Independence

(9) Exploring the West

Core Knowledge Science 2019 (CKSci) - IN PROGRESS

(1) Sun, Moon, and Stars

(2) Plant and Animal Survival

(3) Exploring Light and Sound

(4) Simple Machines

(5) Human Body Systems

Ready Classroom Mathematics - IN PROGRESS

(1) Numbers Within 10: Addition and Subtraction

(2) Numbers Within 20: Addition and Subtraction and Representing Data

(3) Tens and Ones: Counting, Place Value, Time and Money

(4) Operations with Tens and Ones: Addition and Subtraction

(5) Length: Comparing, Ordering and Measuring

(6) Geometry: Analyzing, Composing and Partitioning Shapes

Second Grade Domains of Study

Core Knowledge History and Geography (CKHG) 

(1) Ancient India

(2) Ancient China

(3) The Culture of Japan

(4) Ancient Greece

(5) Geography of the Americas

(6) Making the Constitution

(7) The War of 1812

(8) Americans Move West

(9) The Civil War

(10) Immigration and Citizenship

(11) Civil Rights Leaders

Core Knowledge Science 2019 (CKSci) - IN PROGRESS

(1) Properties of Matter

(2) Organisms and their Habitat

(3) Exploring Land and Water

(4) Electricity and Magnetism

(5) Human Cells and Digestion

Ready Classroom Mathematics - IN PROGRESS

(1) Numbers Within 20: Addition, Subtraction and Data

(2) Numbers Within 100: Addition, Subtraction, Time and Money

(3) Numbers Within 1,000: Place Value, Addition and Subtraction

(4) Length: Measurement, Addition and Subtraction and Line Plots

(5) Shapes and Arrays: Partitioning and Tilting Shapes, Arrays, Evens and Odds

Third Grade Domains of Study

Core Knowledge History and Geography (CKHG)

(1) World Rivers

(2) Ancient Rome

(3) Vikings

(4) The Earliest Americans

(5) Canada

(6) Exploration of North America

(7) The Thirteen Colonies

Core Knowledge Science 2019 (CKSci) - IN PROGRESS

(1) Investigating Forces

(2) Life Cycles, Traits and Variations

(3) Habitats and Change

(4) Weather and Climate

Ready Classroom Mathematics - IN PROGRESS

(1) Three-Digit Numbers: Place Value, Addition and Subtraction 

(2) Multiplication and Division: Concepts, Relationships and Patterns

(3) Multiplication: Finding Area, Solving Word Problems, and Using Scaled Graphs

(4) Fractions: Equivalence and Comparison, Measurement and Data

(5) Measurement: Time, Liquid Volume and Mass

(6) Shapes: Attributes and Categories, Perimeter and Area and Partitioning

Fourth Grade Domains of Study

Core Knowledge History and Geography (CKHG)

(1) Using Maps

(2) World Mountains

(3) Medieval Europe

(4) Medieval Islamic Empires

(5) Early and Medieval African Kingdoms

(6) Dynasties of China

(7) The American Revolution

(8) The United States Constitution

(9) Early Presidents

(10) American Reformers

 Core Knowledge Science 2019 (CKSci) - IN PROGRESS

(1) Energy Transfer and Transformation

(2) Investigating Waves

(3) Structures and Functions of Living Things

(4) Processes That Shape Earth

(5) Using Natural Resources for Energy

Ready Classroom Mathematics - IN PROGRESS

(1) Whole Numbers: Place Value, Comparison, Addition and Subtraction 

(2) Operations: Multiplication, Division and Algebraic Thinking

(3) Multi-Digit Operations and Measurement: Multiplication, Division, Perimeter and Area

(4) Fractions, Decimals and Measurement: Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication

(5) Geometry and Measurement: Figures, Classification and Symmetry

Fifth Grade Domains of Study

Core Knowledge History and Geography (CKHG)

(1) World Lakes

(2) Maya, Aztec, and Inca Civilizations

(3) The Age of Exploration

(4) The Renaissance

(5) The Reformation

(6) England in the Golden Age

(7) Early Russia

(8) Feudal Japan

(9) The Geography of the United States

(10) Westward Expansion Before the Civil War

(11) The Civil War

(12) Westward Expansion After the Civil War

(13) Native Americans: Cultures and Conflicts

Core Knowledge Science 2019 (CKSci)

(1) Investigating Matter

(2) Energy and Matter in Ecosystems

(3) Modeling Earth's Systems

(4) Protecting Earth's Resources

(5) Astronomy: Space Systems

Ready Classroom Mathematics - IN PROGRESS

(1) Whole Number Operations and Applications: Volume, Multiplication and Division

(2) Decimals and Fractions: Place Value, Addition and Subtraction

(3) More Decimals and Fractions: Multiplication and Division

(4) Measurement, Data and Geometry: Converting Units, Using Data and Classifying Figures

(5) Algebraic Thinking and the Coordinate Plane: Expressions, Graphing Points, Patterns and Relationships

Homework Expectations

Check out our WLA Homework Guidelines by clicking HERE.

Assessments

 Woodbury Leadership Academy participates in statewide, national and district common assessments. 

Assessments Overview

Statewide Assessments (MCA)

Minnesota values its educational system and the professionalism of its educators. Minnesota educators created the academic standards, which are rigorous and prepare our students for career and college. The statewide assessments are how Minnesota measures that curriculum and daily instruction in our schools are being aligned to the academics standards, ensuring all students are being provided an equitable education. Statewide assessment results are just one tool to monitor that we are providing our students with the education that will ensure a strong workforce and knowledgeable citizens. 

(1) Minnesota Comprehension Assessments (MCA): Based on Minnesota Academic Standards; given annually in grades 3-8 and high school in reading and mathematics; given annually in grades 5, 8 and high school for science. 

(2) Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS): Is an option for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

(3) ACCESS: Based on the WIDA English Language Development Standards; given annually to English learners in grades K-12 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Click HERE to view our District Test Security Procedure.

National Assessments (NWEA MAP)

At Woodbury Leadership Academy, we are committed to providing our students with personalized learning experiences. To best achieve this, we regularly assess students’ growth. We strive to consider the whole picture when serving our students. Having multiple types of assessments helps provide a fuller picture of each student's needs.

(1) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Reading Fluency with Dyslexia Screener Component: The MAP Reading Fluency with Dyslexia Screener Component is a test type that can identify when students' performance demonstrates possible risk factors for dyslexia or other reading difficulties. This is administered for all students in grades K-3.

(2) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Reading Growth: This is administered for all students in grades 3-8.

(3) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Science Growth: This is administered for all students in grades 5-8.

Common Assessments

Common Assessments are assessments that are directly linked to the curriculum taught at Woodbury Leadership Academy. They are based on academic standards and are typically developed by teacher teams within the school district. They are necessary to implement the district curriculum with fidelity and to report progress to students and parents on student mastery of academic standards (e.g., report cards).

How do we screen and identify for convergence insufficient disorder? We use parent and teacher referrals for concerns in this area. Those concerns are managed by the Special Education Director who ensures that students are tested accordingly.

For more information about Common Assessments, contact your child's teacher.

Parent/Guardian Refusal for Student Participation in Assessments

Statewide Assessments (MCA)

If you are considering opting your student out of statewide testing, please review the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide TestingAfter reviewing the MDE document, if you would still like to opt your student out of statewide testing click HERE and complete the Woodbury Leadership Academy's Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing Form. A new form must be filled out each school year. Please submit your refusal form to WLA's front office by March 10, 2024. 

National Assessments (NWEA MAP)

To opt out of national assessments, the parent/guardian must complete THIS form and return to WLA. A new form must be filled out each school year.

Assessment Calendar

Click HERE to view WLA's testing calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.

Spring MCA Schedule 

Assessment

Grades

Date

Time

Location

MCA Reading 

3-5

April 17th

9:40-11:00 & 12:30-2:00

Classrooms

MCA Reading

6-8

April 17th

10:15-11:50 & 1:00-2:30

Classrooms

MCA Math

3-5

April 24th

9:40-11:00 & 12:30-2:00

Classrooms

MCA Math

6-8

April 24th

10:15-11:50 & 1:00-2:30

Classrooms

MCA Science

5

May 1st

9:45-11:20 & 12:15-1:15

Classrooms

MCA Science

8

May 1st

9:30-12:00

Classrooms

MCA Reading Make Up

3-8

April 19th

9:45-12:30

RM 356

MCA Math Make Up

3-8

April 26th

9:45-12:30

RM 356

MCA Science Make Up

5 & 8

May 3rd

9:45-12:30

RM 356

Final Make Up Day

5-8

May 3rd

1:00-3:30

RM 356