![]() ![]() "They also learn that practice makes perfect." During our visit we observed several classes of students starting off their day with instruction in dance, chorus or violinand many more classes were scheduled to enjoy the same later on. "The arts give students a chance to build confidence so they learn to take some risks," says Fong. In general education classes, teachers spend more time on the fundamentals, though we observed plenty of challenging work and engaging projects in those classes too. G&T students may plow through a unit of study quickly leaving more time to tackle additional topics and lengthier projects. The main differences between G&T and general education classes lie in the pacing of instruction and types of projects. There is one G&T (gifted and talented) class per grade. In math, students brainstorm complex problems, figure out different ways to solve them and then work together to create charts that display and explain their solutions. For instance students may write about a character from a novel they read, but then work in a group to illustrate a poster to accompany their individual essays. By the upper grades students can write lengthy essays and stories on a range of topics.Ĭhildren often work in groups and are encouraged to be creative. Strong students may tackle a problem on their own, while others get hints to help them get started, and still others get more step-by-step guidance from the teacher.įor English, students read many books of their choosing and at their skill level as well as write and revise multiple drafts of work on a variety of topics. Math instruction follows a challenging curriculum called Math in Focus (the American version of Singapore Math), which teaches children to solve problems and show their findings in multiple ways. Supplies are plentiful and every room is stocked with a generous selection of grade-appropriate books arranged neatly on shelves. Classrooms are neat and thoughtfully arranged with areas for students to gather as a class as well as work in groups. Teachers speak in quiet, conversational tones students listen to instructions, move quickly from one activity to another and quiet down when asked. Walk into any classroom at PS 130 and you will find calm, focused kids. ![]() Before becoming principal, Fong worked for nearly two decades at the school as a classroom teacher, technology program director and assistant principal. Principal Renny Fong took over in 2014 after the retirement of PS 130's longtime leader, Lily Woo. Many children are English language learners or speak Chinese exclusively at home, and most come from low-income households. Located on the edge of Chinatown, the school reflects and serves the surrounding community. Parent involvement is strong, and a robust arts program keeps students engaged and enthused at school. PS 130 is a well-run neighborhood school with strong leadership, good instruction and one of the highest attendance rates in the city. ![]()
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