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Fairfax County Public Schools is pleased
to provide you information about the curriculum your child will
be studying. Your child’s school has the complete Program of Studies (POS) for every discipline and grade level. You may review the complete elementary POS at the school upon request. Arrangements may be made through your child’s
teacher or school principal.
The POS content covers the same curriculum as the Standards of Learning (SOL) set by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and in many cases it goes beyond state standards. As you review the SOL, you may note that there is not an exact match with the Fairfax County POS by grade level. However, all the Virginia Standards are included and will be taught by the end of third, fourth (social studies only), and fifth grades so that your child will be fully prepared to take the SOL tests.
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| Language Arts |
Program Overview
Virginia SOL
Strands
Language Arts Program Overview
The language arts curriculum includes objectives that support students’ development in the skills of reading, writing, and oral language. These skills are developed through direct instruction, modeling by teachers, and guided practice. Teachers plan a balance of learning experiences which build upon oral language and include fiction, informational text, and use of language arts skills in other content areas.
Virginia Standards
of Learning (SOL).
At the end of fifth grade, students in Fairfax County and throughout Virginia particpate in SOL testing.
In fifth grade Language Arts, students learn concepts based on the following Strands:
- Reading
- Writing
- Oral Language
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| Mathematics |
Mathematics Program Overview
Fifth grade students extend their understanding of number to billions, including the use of exponential notation; relate number theory concepts to operations on rational numbers; compare, contrast, and define the intent and characteristics of the four operations, including properties; and become proficient in using multiplication and division procedures. They estimate and measure length, volume, and capacity; use measuring tools; investigate circle measures; continue transformational geometry; and identify attributes of solids. Fifth graders also collect, display, and analyze data and make predictions. They organize, record, and interpret results of simple probability experiments; identify and extend growth patterns; and solve equations with one variable.
Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
At the end of fifth grade, students in Fairfax County and throughout Virginia particpate in SOL testing.
In fifth grade Mathematics, students learn concepts based on the following Strands:
- Number Concepts, Theory, Sense
- Operations
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Data Analysis/Statistics/Probability
- Patterns/Functions/Algebra
- Problem Solving/Application
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| Science |
Science Program Overview
The Fairfax County Public Schools Elementary Science Program consists of grade level units that are composed of inquiry-based, hands-on science lessons. Science Process Skills, embedded in the lessons, develop student’s ability to think and perform like a scientist. In addition to science trade books and these hands-on kits, FCPS offers the Windows on Science visual textbook videodisk program, the Fresh Science DVD supplemental visuals, and United Streaming video library. Interactive technologies used by students in the elementary science program include Weatherbug Achieve, and Easy Sense Q5 Probeware. The Elementary Science Program follows the Virginia State Science Standards of Learning which include the following science strands:
Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
At the end of fifth grade, students in Fairfax County and throughout Virginia particpate in SOL testing.
In fifth grade Science, students learn concepts based on the following Strands:
- Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
- Force, Motion, and Energy
- Matter
- Living Systems
- Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems
- Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Changes
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| Social Studies |
Social Studies Program Overview
Social studies instruction incorporates the four strands of history, geography, civics, and economics while students learn about world civilizations. Students study the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and a contemporary African, Asian, or Latin American society.
- No SOL tests for 5th graders.
In fifth grade Science, students learn concepts based on the following Strands:
The Grade 5 Social Studies POS includes the study of Mesopotamia, Egypt, classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and contemporary African, Asian, and Latin American societies.
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| Beyond the Core |
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Beyond the Core programs include subjects that are not included in the traditional core education curriculum (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies). Beyond the Core courses are the classes that enhance the quality of life and are important in developing our students into well-rounded, productive citizens. Below are links to information about the different Beyond the Core programs at the elementary level.
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| Tailored Instruction |
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Because not all students learn the same way, some instruction must be tailored so that individual students can have the opportunities to live up to their potential. Tailored Instruction programs are designed to give students what they need to succeed in the 21th century.
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Last
Updated
Instructional
Services Department
