Self Development Academy Middle School Teachers Named Best Faculty in Arizona

The Self Development Academy (SDA) middle school faculty members have been named the Best Public Middle School Teachers in Arizona (niche.com, 2017).

How did the SDA middle school faculty attain such an honor? Passion for education, dedication to student learning and growth, commitment to program innovation, coupled with the vision and support of Superintendent Dr. Anjum Majeed, are among the many factors contributing to this achievement.

SDA Middle School Faculty Members

When asked about their courses and students, the SDA middle school faculty members beam with excitement. They are passionate about their subject material and committed to individual student learning. The middle school team (shown in the photograph) is comprised of five teachers. They are Mrs. Tici Smith, Language Arts; Mrs. Patricia Graville, Mathematics; Mr. James Mitchell, Social Studies; Miss Laura Meyer, Science; and Mrs. Veada Pauls, Language Arts.

The faculty members have degrees, expertise and real world experiences in their subject areas. Besides a dedication to facilitating the SDA accelerated curriculum, they are committed to student learning beyond the classroom. They provide individual and group tutoring as necessary and lead meaningful electives and extracurricular activities to enhance student experiences beyond the curriculum.

SDA Curriculum

SDA offers an advanced, intellectually stimulating curriculum. Students learn at their skill level as opposed to their grade level in the subjects of Language Arts, Mathematics and Science.

SDA offers a comprehensive middle school Language Arts program. The writing program is an intensive program based on the Six Traits Writing curriculum. This enriched curriculum allows the student to compose writing in a wide variety of formats. These are expository, narrative, persuasive and informative essays. The advanced literature program is taught at a ninth- and 10th-grade level, with an emphasis on skills, such as story elements, comprehension and advanced vocabulary.

As a diverse curriculum, literature is taught across all genres. The literature texts consist of nonfiction, fiction, poetry and drama-based stories. Taught in conjunction with literature is grammar. The grammar program emphasizes usage and mechanics. Students in our program are well prepared in all areas of the Language Arts.

Students in Mathematics test into their appropriate skill level. We are excited to offer the following Mathematics courses: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II. These classes typically are offered beginning in high school. SDA students have the opportunity to receive high school credit for these courses.

SDA’s science program focuses on mastery of scientific concepts and conducting experimental investigations. The Science and Technology Center provides the perfect environment for learning and applying scientific knowledge. Middle school students advance their knowledge while completing coursework in biology, chemistry and physics. Taking these courses earlier gives students the opportunity to complete required science coursework in fewer years. Through its integrated approach of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) applications, SDA prepares students with a strong foundation for future career paths.

Students completing eighth grade at SDA are enrolled in Honors and Advanced Placement courses upon entering high school. Additionally, many students receive high school credit for courses completed at SDA. This opportunity enhances their grade point averages, and makes them highly competitive students when applying to colleges and universities.

New Programs: STEAM and Voyagers

The 2017-2018 school year marks the introduction of two new programs, STEAM and Voyagers, both developed and led by middle school faculty members. Many parents are familiar with the acronym STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The A in STEAM stands for Arts. The faculty members developed a STEAM curriculum, integrating STEAM projects within the existing curriculum. During Quarter One, students will design and decorate a drum. The project involves engineering, music and art. Another example includes students writing and illustrating a story about the moon, combining science, writing and art.

Voyagers provides students with an opportunity to complete an independent project over the course of the school year. Students must submit a proposal detailing the project. Once approved, students are assigned to collaborate with a middle school faculty member to complete the project. A presentation is the final stage of the project. The projects require time management, critical thinking, writing and communication skills.

Social Growth through Electives and Extracurricular Activities

With 100 students enrolled in the middle school program, the SDA middle school staff know each family, creating a family-like atmosphere. SDA provides a safe and protected environment whereby students have freedom, as well as responsibility. Teachers serve as advocates and mentors for students, responding to their social and emotional needs. Their role of advocacy strengthens the positive relationships between students and teachers.

In addition to receiving a high-quality academic experience, SDA students have many opportunities for social growth, healthy competition and new experiences through extracurricular activities. Electives offered at SDA include violin, percussion, computer coding, journalism, Latin, debate and tutoring. SDA offers clubs, including Science Olympiad, Sports Club, Choir Club and Dance Club. Every winter and spring, students showcase their creative spirits through performances.

SDA is a highly acclaimed, public charter school (kindergarten through grade eight). For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact the Front Office at (480) 641-2640.