Academics

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SER-Niños Charter School’s educational philosophy is carefully aligned with the school’s vision in order to effectively serve as the vehicle through which the SER-Niños community can successfully prepare its students for success in high school and life.

Students at SER-Niños Charter school attend classes from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. during the school year and for an optional three weeks during the summer.

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The educational curriculum at SER-Niños Charter School is based upon a curriculum that includes the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and components of E.D. Hirsch’s Core Knowledge Sequence to ensure all students receive a definite and coherent sequence of instruction.  Our content-rich curriculum stresses vertical (PK-8) and horizontal (across grade level) continuity so that student knowledge will grow consistently and progressively from grade to grade.  Each of the core subjects is stressed, with every student receiving one and half-hours of daily instruction in Reading and Math each.

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SER-Niños staff meet at a curriculum meeting at the end of every eight weeks to discuss and select the TEKS objectives to be taught the following nine-week period.   The staff discusses which TEKS objectives align well with the themes and integrated units they plan to teach over the next nine weeks.

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SER-Niños students must perform on grade level in all subject areas as measured by a standardized achievement test before graduation to the next grade.  All eighth-grade students must complete a research project and present to the graduation committee.  They must demonstrate oral and academic proficiency in English and Spanish.  Students are also required to complete 10 hours of community service upon the year of their graduation.

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College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) Goals 2024 - 2034

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SER-Niños Charter School 2024-2034 College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) Goals

 

College Career and Military Readiness emphasize the importance of all students from Kindergarten to 12th grade having exposure to a wide variety of careers. 

 

Elementary - In elementary students explore different careers through Career Role-playing, guest speakers and career/college day.

Middle/High - In middle and high school students will narrow down their career aspirations and select a pathway or endorsement that will provide them with a sequence of courses to prepare them for their future career and college major.

 

Readiness Indicators:

Meet the criteria of 3 on AP examinations or 4 on IB examinations

Meet TSIA criteria via SAT, ACT, TSIA2 or College Prep Courses in ELA and Math

Complete a dual credit course (9 hours in any subject or 3 hours ELA/Math

Earn an Associate degree

Complete and OnRamp course

Earn a Level I or Level II certificate

Earn and industry-based certificate (IBC)

Complete a program of study in IBC

Complete a program of study in CTE

Graduate with completed IEP and workforce readiness

Enlist in one of the armed forces

 

College Readiness Testing

SER-Ninos remains committed to providing every opportunity for its students to be successful in their post-secondary education.

 

SAT

Students take the SAT for university admission.

 

9th, and 10th graders have an opportunity to take the PSAT.

11th and 12th graders take the SAT

 

Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA 2)

TSIA 2 is a state mandated assessment used in Texas public colleges and universities to determine college readiness in English Language Arts and Reading and mathematics.

9th graders wanting to enroll in dual credit take the TSIA 2.

 

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The ASVAB is designed to measure aptitudes, knowledge and skills in various technical and academic areas to predict their potential for success in military training and specialized jobs.  Students can take the test in the Spring semester.

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Integrated Studies and Thematic Units

 

Integrated studies and thematic units allow students to be a big part of their learning environment.  Themes are selected based on the interests of the students. Students, regardless of age or ability, have a say in what will be studied.   The teachers integrate these themes into their curriculum.  The curriculum is aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

 

Authentic Assessment

 

In order to meet our academic vision, the whole child is evaluated for growth.  The child is not only assessed academically but socially and emotionally as well.  Students are provided with opportunities for self-assessment, reflection, and goal setting.  Students are evaluated thoroughly and frequently to provide teachers and administrators with data that would be used to improve instruction and student performance.  SER-Niños assesses students using a variety of tools:

1. Portfolios are kept and used by the teacher, the child, and the parent to assess progress over time.

2. Nine-week report cards

3. Eight-week reading assessments

4. Math assessment at the beginning and end of each school year

5. Thematic projects

6. Spelling assessment

7. Student journals

8. Standardized tests

9. Daily classroom observations

10. The teacher made tests

11. Language assessments

 

IOWA/Logramos

 

SER-Niños Charter School previously used the California Achievement Test (CAT) and the Spanish Assessment of Basic Skills (SABE) to assess student’s growth on grade level each year.  The SABE is no longer normed, so SER-Niños began using the IOWA and the LOGRAMOS.

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Final Eighth Grade Project

 

Students will research and write on a topic of special interest that focuses on ways to improve their community.  The project will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in research, writing, analyzing, and presenting complex information.  The research project will be presented in two languages.

 

Community Service

 

Student groups in all grade levels select and design projects that encourage them to give back to their community.  Students have been involved in:

• Clean Houston Neighborhood (trash collection)

• reading books to elderly community members

• collecting blankets and food for shelters in the community

SER-Niños will continue to use its current assessment tools, as well as implementing new assessments when appropriate.  Continuous assessment and monitoring will ensure that our students reach their goals and are prepared for high school and life.