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KDES focuses on teaching and learning in teams, where the study of the main content areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) is integrated. This means that major concepts and methods from the various disciplines are taught as part of the study of a unifying theme. The theme allows teachers and students to make connections across disciplines and to relate their study to real life situations, questions, and problems without the artificial boundaries created by separate class periods, separate teachers, and schedule constraints. Emphasis is placed on the student becoming an active learner, asking questions, finding answers, and working with others to present what they have learned. Central to this approach is the belief that learning in this way becomes more meaningful and taps into students' natural curiosity. Our teachers and staff work together as teams to develop an instructional program for the students. Our team teaching approach to integrated learning is particularly well-suited to deaf and hard of hearing children. Throughout KDES, both English and American Sign Language are used. The classroom is a place where democracy is practiced every day. Teachers, staff members, and students strive to create a place that is much like the world they live in now and will function in as adults. This environment fosters students' respect for each other and their similarities and differences.
Arts include drama, dance, martial arts, and fine arts. Students are encouraged to explore this domain of learning, which allows opportunities for them to express themselves through a different medium. Students learn different roles in a play, develop self-discipline skins, learn different dance movements, learn how to interact with other students, and learn about a variety of art and design concepts. We use tutoring, study halls, Odyssey of the Mind, and chess to reinforce classroom learning and critical thinking skills. Literacy is emphasized during activities such as yearbook and journal writing. Written journals or story write-ups are encouraged for activities such as outdoor outings.
At KDES we offer fall, winter, and spring sports such as coed soccer, boys and girls basketball, and coed softball. We offer a variety of intramural activities including soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, badminton, and swimming. In late spring we offer seasonal clinics and Olympic game activities.
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Kendall
Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) serves students from birth through
age 15, beginning with the Parent-infant Program and ending in grade 8.
Students reside in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The majority
of new students begin in the fall semester, but students are also admitted
any time during the school year.
An
array of support services are available to all KDES students, including
speech services, audiological services, counseling services, social work
services, psychological services, occupational and physical therapy, and
medical and health services. Delivery of many of these services takes
place within the instructional teams. Staff who provide support services
are assigned to one or more instructional teams and work with those teams
to meet the needs of students within the context of the theme-based, integrated
curriculum.
KDES
also has an extensive after school program. It is comprised of four parts-arts,
literacy, outdoor programs, and sports/intramurals. These activities are
coordinated with team themes and classroom learning. Students are introduced
to a variety of activities that develop interests, skills, social interactions,
and literacy.
Outdoor
programs include backpacking, camping, hiking, canoeing, and recycling.
These programs are viewed as informal classrooms that give students ample
time in which to observe Deaf role models and receive support when learning
opportunities occur, such as assuming roles of responsibility and leadership.
Children have opportunities to participate in outdoor outings during Class
days and on weekends with involvement from teachers, staff, and parents.