Welcome to the Office of Elementary Instruction

Bradley County Schools-Elementary Instruction

Bradley County is home to 11 elementary schools serving approximately 5,000 students in kindergarten through fifth grades. During the elementary school years, students are taught to think critically, to strive to attain high standards, to embrace opportunities afforded through technological advancements, and to develop as citizens and leaders. To achieve these outcomes, our schools provide safe and academically engaging environments where all students can thrive.

A quality education program in elementary school is vital to students' future success. Strong school leaders and highly-trained faculty and staff implement Bradley County's elementary education program. Read more about it below.

Literacy

Reading and Language Arts

Bradley County Schools uses a research-based, comprehensive K–5 program, which is aligned with the science of reading. Students are taught all levels of phonics, decoding, and word analysis from beginning sounds to the application of Greek and Latin roots. Emphasis is also placed on vocabulary and comprehension so that students develop knowledge-building skills. Using systematic, explicit instruction, this program helps all students master the foundational skills needed not only to move to proficiency but also to achieve greater goals of reading independently with confidence inside and outside the classroom. To view the state-approved foundational skills literacy plan, click here.

Writing

SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) writing curriculum helps students develop independence in selecting writing strategies aligned to the purpose and audience for their writing. Common language about writing techniques is used across grade levels to build student performance over time. By providing a wide variety of opportunities to practice and engage, students will develop depth and breadth in their writing skills.

Accelerated Reader (AR)

AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor students' independent reading practice. Students select and read books, building their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Afterward, a short quiz provides students and teachers feedback based on quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help students set future reading goals. Rewards are offered through the AR program to incentivize students to read for at least 20 minutes each day. For more information on AR click here.

How can families help?

Read 20: Reading with a child every day from birth through elementary school has a lasting, positive outcome for children, families, and our community. Research shows that reading regularly with children stimulates brain development and strengthens parent-child relationships, leading to the development of language, literacy, and social-emotional skills that last a lifetime. For more information about how parents can be involved, click here.

Mathematics

Bradley County's math curriculum encourages students to explore, analyze, share, and discuss mathematical concepts which fosters critical thinking and problem solving. Teachers receive ongoing training on math instructional strategies to hone their skills in teaching math creatively and interactively across the curriculum.

Math Fact Fluency

Teachers are trained to build math fact fluency through conceptual understanding, helping students see how number facts connect to a wide variety of mathematical situations, problems, and contexts and build a foundation of strategies they can draw from efficiently and with confidence.

How can families help?

Sometimes students believe that they just not good math students. Parents can remedy these thoughts by talking about mathematics in a positive way. When children see and hear their parents using math, whether counting down days to a special holiday, comparing prices in a grocery store, or measuring ingredients in a recipe, they realize that math is not out of reach.

Technology

In order to be successful in the 21st century, students must develop their skills in the use of technology. Each elementary classroom in Bradley County has a Promethean Panel used for hands-on delivery of instruction. In addition, Chromebooks, iPads, and document cameras are used to enhance instruction. Computer labs are the norm in elementary classrooms around the county, with STEM-integrated experiences on every campus. Technology is used on a regular basis to enhance teaching in all subject areas. Technology Coaches provide job-embedded training for elementary teachers in using technology effectively in the classroom.

Character Education

Character education is a part of every day in all elementary schools, and our program has an intentional focus on developing leaders. Students are engaging in the study of leadership with an emphasis on using personal gifts and talents. Through the “LEADERS for Life” program, each child is given the opportunity to become a leader in their own right. Our goal is to prepare students to meet the challenges of the 21st century and take their place as world leaders. To learn more about the program, please visit our website: www.voyagetogreatness.com .

PE For Life

Physical Education is a vital part of our school program. The health of our students has a direct connection to their ability to learn and be successful in school. Bradley County Schools is excited to celebrate the implementation of our nationally known physical education curriculum, SPARK. We are continuing to develop the PE4Life philosophy in our schools. Our goal is to introduce students to physical activities that will help them remain active and fit throughout their lives. This is one of the ways we are leading the fight against childhood obesity in our community.

Pre-K Programs

Bradley County is the home of sixteen Pre-K programs located throughout the county.

In partnership with the Family Resource Agency, Head Start/Pre-K is offered as a voluntary pre-school program funded by the Federal government and the State of Tennessee. Priority is given to children from income-eligible families, children with special needs, and English language learners. Children must be four years old on or before August 15 to enter the program. A limited number of slots are available for three-year-olds at some locations. To enroll, children must be three on or before August 15. Services offered include hearing, vision, developmental screenings, social services, and parent training. These services are offered free of charge.

Applications are accepted for Bradley County Head Start/Pre-K at the Family Resource Agency located at 3680 Michigan Avenue Road. For more information call 423-479-4210.

A free At-Home Decodable Book Series is now available to Tennessee families of kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd-grade children to help our youngest learners become stronger readers. Each free pack has 7 decodable booklets, which contain 20+ exciting stories full of sounds and words to help practice phonics and develop strong reading skills.

Here is information on how to order decodables:

For family ordering: Families can order booklet packs for their kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd-grade students. Booklets will be delivered to the mailing address provided. A step-by-step ordering guide, FAQs, and additional information can be found online at https://www.tn.gov/education/decodables.html. To learn how to read a decodable, click here.

The TCA 49-6-1019 form can be found Here.

To Contact Us:
Bradley County Schools
Office of Elementary Education
800 South Lee Highway
Cleveland, Tennessee 37311

Phone: 423-476-0620
Fax: 423-476-0485
Email: [email protected]