​Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology

is a computer science magnet school.  DJV is committed to integrating coding into its curriculum while also developing the characteristics of our namesake within our students: innovators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. Our curriculum includes a variety of opportunities that empower students to be leaders who think critically and persevere through challenges. In building a strong commitment toward excellence, students will engage in a curriculum with high standards and expectations. 

LITERACY 

The teachers at Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology are dedicated to developing lifelong readers and writers through a balanced literacy approach.  All teachers in grades K-5 teach through the EL Curriculum, which was adopted by CMS in 2019.  This rigorous curriculum ensures equity across all schools, with students being exposed to rich text on a variety of relevant and thought-provoking topics.   Our curriculum allows teachers to use performance assessments and progressions to personalize learning paths with literacy-rich content area instruction.  To read more about the EL Curriculum, use the provided link.  https://curriculum.eleducation.org/

MATH

Continuing in the 2020-2021 school year, all CMS schools will use EnVision Math 2.0, a comprehensive math program that provides focus, consistency, and rigor of the Common Core State Standards. This program empowers students by helping them identify relationships, ask questions, and try different approaches to solve problems. Students will engage in learning experiences that help deepen their ability to think mathematically. At Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology, our teachers will personalize math instruction with tiered activities, learning centers, and technology to support learning styles and readiness. EnVision Math 2.0 allows teachers to use flexible grouping, connected topics, and lessons to provide students with authentic learning experiences.  To read more about the EnVision curriculum, use the provided link.  https://www.savvas.com/index.cfm?locator=PS2nU9

SOCIAL STUDIES 

DJV teachers will use a  Social Studies curriculum that was customized and developed by CMS teachers. The curriculum integrates literacy into Social Studies content across all levels. It also uses a variety of grade level standards to establish a foundation of historical knowledge, skills, and values with both our local and global communities. 

SCIENCE

At Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology, students will engage in science using inquiry based learning and hands-on experiences with interactive science kits.  Teachers use science content based literature, aligned to standards to help students learn to read and write. Students will also be challenged with formative assessments to help improve academic vocabulary. 

PERSONALIZED LEARNING 

We are the opposite of a one-size-fits-all approach, because we are all learning together. Using formal and informal data, our classrooms will provide a personalized learning environment for all students K - 5. Personalized learning in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is focused on student development in four areas: whole child, student ownership, mastery learning and multiple pathways. Designed with flexibility in mind, our classrooms offer multiple areas of workspace that are open, bright and adaptable to the needs of learning and collaboration. Please visit the CMS Personalized Learning Page for additional information on this initiative. 

CODING

Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology is the first full computer science focused magnet school in CMS.  Through coding, students will begin to cultivate their skills in sequencing, critical thinking, problem solving, logical thinking, and cause and effect.  These skills will help build a foundation for students to meet the growing demand for jobs of the future.  Students will work with amazing materials including Scratch, Legos, and Minecraft to share projects in various Epic Build Showcases. At DJV, we offer a one-to-one technology ratio so every child has access and opportunities to learn computer programming.